Miller likely to occupy opening spot

David Miller opened the batting for South Africa in the third ODI

All-rounder David Miller’s display in South Africa’s win at Rajkot on Sunday wasn’t the most eye-catching one, but his promotion to open the innings certainly raised a few eyebrows. The talented South African has suffered a dip in form, prompting Protean think-tank to ask him to open, ESPNCricinfo reports.

"Miller is a very positive player. I like him up the order with the new hard ball in India," AB de Villiers, South Africa's captain explained Miller opening the batting.

"It gives myself, Hashim [Amla] and Francois [du Plessis] an opportunity to bat against the spinners in the middle overs. They've got 30 overs of spin in the game and I'd like to think Hashim, myself and Faf are the best players of spin in the team so for us to bat 3, 4 and 5 gives India a feeling that they've got a lot of work to do to get through our batting line up," de Villiers stated.

Miller’s riches of all-round ability need no introduction. Displaying his devastating repertoire in shorter formats for South Africa and for Kings XI Punjab, the 26-year-old southpaw is a without doubt a game-changer.

Decision with T20 WC in sight?

One of the reasons for Millers’ promotion was to make a brisk start and putting the beleaguered Indian seamer under pressure. The team would want him to make the opening spot his own with the T20 World less than 6 months away on similar sort of pitches. Miller did alright in Rajkot, scoring 33 runs and more importantly, giving the visitors a solid start. He was lively in the field too, latching onto three important catches.

His uncomplicated technique and ability to hit big shots up front would certainly be one of South Africa’s weapons for the event. With the likes of Amla, du Plessis, de Villiers slated to come in the middle overs, Miller would be expected to give a steady opening platform with wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock in tow. Miller’s last five limited overs scores read 33, 0, 13, 10* and 10. The earlier he realises his potential the better for South Africa.

Sluggish batting costs India in Rajkot

South Africa took a 2-1 lead in the series with an 18-run over India on the merit of fine performances from Quinton de Kock (103) and Morne Morkel (4-39) in Rajkot on Sunday. Opening the innings with Miller, de Kock displayed imperious form to notch up his seventh limited overs century before the Indians clawed their way back with good death bowling, restricting South Africa to 270/7 when 300 looked a certainty.

However, their chase went haywire as the middle order wilted under some serious pressure from South African bowling. India were within a shout until they lost Dhoni, Raina, Kohli and Rahane in the space of 21 balls to give away any hopes of a win.