India vs South Africa: Proteas Determined to Make it 3-0, Says David Miller
India, who have already lost the T20I series, will look to salvage pride when Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side clashes against South Africa in the third and final match on Thursday at Eden Gardens.
Bolstered by their back-to-back wins against India, South Africa batsman David Miller says his team is all pumped to make a clean sweep of the three-match T20 series here on Thursday. (India vs South Africa 3rd T20I Preview)
"I think it is a massive point. We are 2-0 up and are determined to make it 3-0. As you say, momentum and confidence is a big thing in international cricket. I think, our preparations have been really good. We've been trying to check all the boxes and hopefully we come out on top tomorrow," said Miller on the eve of the third and final T20 International. (Jagmohan Dalmiya's Portraits to be Placed in Front of Eden Gates)
"To be honest, its a great feeling to be coming to Kolkata 2-0 up in the series. The series win is really big. We came here with a lot of expectations to do well, we have put a lot of pressure on us to perform.
"India are an amazing T20 side with huge players. It gives us a lot of confidence moving forward coming close to the World Twenty20," said the hard-hitting batsman.
"We are playing against England and at the end of the year in Australia. We just need to take as much confidence as we can moving forward. It has been a huge confidence booster." (Security Increased at Eden Gardens After Barabati Crowd Problem)
South African key batsman AB de Villiers did not come for the practice and Miller said it was not much of an issue.
"It is an optional practice today. Some players have taken a day off. It has been a long week. We have had some intense games, a lot of practice and travelling. I hope AB does play. We will see tomorrow.
"As supposed to what is going to happen tomorrow, I am not very sure. Maybe resting a few guys but I have got no idea about that as well." (Sourav Ganguly Says Third T20I Pitch in Kolkata Will be Batting-Friendly)
The general pattern is to practice in the evening if the match is a night affair. Why morning practice?
"To be honest, we have been given that slot. I am not sure how the logistics work on practice scheduling. I have been told to be ready at 9 am in the morning and I made sure I was not late for the bus."
Dhoni was suggesting that home matches during this time of the year should start earlier to negate the dew factor but Miller said: "To be honest, I don't know what to say. The games are given to us at 7 pm. The dew factor is bit of an issue. But to fair, it has been the same to both teams. I think there isn't too much of an issue."
Miller further said their exposure in IPL has helped South Africans players immensely.
"It makes a massive difference. We have come out on top against India. I think the IPL has helped not only the foreign players but the younger guys from India as well.
"It's an unbelievable tournament, it has given opportunity to a lot of players. It also definitely helped South African getting used to the conditions in India. We are feeling a lot more at home," he added.