T20 World Cup: Since there wasn’t turn, we trusted line Varun bowled and showed intent, says David Miller
Chakravarthy, who had a formidable record against South Africa before this match, scored 47 in four overs with Miller and Dewald Brevis taking him to the cleaners.
“I think it’s about making sure we stay on top of it in terms of clearing him if he throws a bad ball, so we’re a little bit more careful and he’s not turning too much tonight so you can have some confidence at the line.
“When we felt that, we felt like, okay, we have to take him down because he is a threat to every team he plays for. So that was definitely something we talked about,” Miller, who smashed 63 off 35 balls, told reporters after the match.
For Miller, it was necessary to stick to the core process that had given him success for so many years.
“It’s about making sure you really stick to the simple things and the fundamentals and do it really well. Like I said, I always have to aim high, make sure my movements are limited when the ball is thrown, so I’m good and I’m still, I’m breathing, I’m running hard, all those simple things – it’s cliché, but it really is, in the heat of battle, those are the things I hold on to.”
Miller, who is nearly 37 and has played the game long enough, knows he has to seize it when the day comes. “It’s taken a while. I’ve been playing the game for a while now and it’s about making sure I really stick to high-pressure moments like tonight in front of a big crowd. And then, it’s a game of risk and as a cricketer you’re going to fail. So it’s about making sure you play on your terms,” Miller joked.
When asked what the biggest takeaway was for Miller, he smiled and rang a warning bell.
“India can be beat. India, as I mentioned, is an incredible team. But for us in a tournament like this, the important thing is to make sure we do the simple things and stay in our lane as a player, do the job and get the job done.”
“We’re a mature team. A lot of players have played together and played a lot of cricket for South Africa and that goes a long way under pressure. So I think it’s just staying in your lane, making sure you do the job and keep wanting more.”
