David Miller, the hard-hitting left-hander from South Africa, holds an international cricket record that he would prefer not to have. He has played in a staggering 274 white-ball internationals for the Proteas without ever getting the opportunity to play in a Test match. This makes him the player who has played the most international cricket without featuring in a Test.
A Stellar White-Ball Career
Despite the absence of Test cricket in his career, Miller has achieved remarkable success in white-ball cricket. He acknowledges that while he would have loved to play a Test, he is grateful for the opportunities he has had in white-ball cricket.
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With an average of over 40 and a strike rate above 100, Miller is one of the four players to have scored more than 3,000 runs in one-day internationals with such impressive numbers. His hard-hitting batting style and electrifying fielding have made him a crowd favourite in South Africa, where supporters wave banners proclaiming ‘Killer Miller’ and ‘It’s Miller Time’.
The Decision to Retire from First-Class Cricket
Miller’s first-class record speaks volumes about his capabilities as a batsman. He has an average of 36.32 in 63 matches, including six centuries. However, the presence of legendary players like Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, and Faf du Plessis in the South African Test batting line-up limited his opportunities. At the same time, the rise of white-ball cricket, which was becoming increasingly lucrative, played a role in Miller’s decision to retire from first-class cricket in 2018, just before turning 30.
Thriving in the Franchise Circuit
Retirement from first-class cricket did not hinder Miller’s career. On the contrary, he became one of the most sought-after players in the franchise circuit. Representing 22 different teams around the world, Miller’s explosive batting and exceptional fielding skills have made him a valuable asset for any team. His popularity in South Africa is evident from the banners and chants of ‘Killer Miller’ that resonate in the stadiums whenever he takes the field.
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The Longing for a Test Match
While Miller has achieved immense success in white-ball cricket, the desire to play a Test match still lingers within him. Reflecting on his career, he acknowledges that being overlooked for Test selection was disappointing, but he remains grateful for the opportunities he has had in international cricket. Miller’s dedication and performances have earned him a place among the cricketing elite, but the absence of a Test cap will always be a bittersweet aspect of his career.