ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: We genuinely believe that we can do something special, says David Miller

South African cricketer David Miller optimistic about the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.

David Miller of South Africa thinks they may accomplish something exceptional at the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. South Africa will enter the competition fresh off a 3-2 series victory against Australia. The competition will take place in India from October 5 to November 19.

Proteas, who are yet to win World Cup, will begin their 2023 campaign on October 7 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi against the 1996 champions, Sri Lanka.

With five hitters, including Miller, among the top 15 in the individual rankings list, South Africa will enter the major event as the fourth-best team in the ODI rankings.

“We genuinely believe that we can do something special. The reality is we haven’t won a World Cup so there’s no point brushing that under the carpet. But personally, I don’t live with those things on my shoulders. The past is the past. It doesn’t impact me at all. It’s about what’s in front of you…the next ball, your next moment.

I know the other guys are in the same mindset. We’re looking at it as a chance to create history. What a brilliant opportunity this is. If we play well, we know we’ve got a helluva chance,” Miller was quoted by BBC.

“It’s a strong line-up”- David Miller of South African batting-order

David Miller averaged 60.7 with a strike rate of 114.15 in the last World Cup cycle. He is backing his batting group to fire in Indian conditions.

“We have performed consistently well over the past four years. I’m not personally a stats-driven guy. But it’s good to look at the numbers and know that the work we’ve been putting in has produced some positive contributions. For me, it’s about making a situational impact. Can I take the game on? Can I see a chase home?”

That’s where games are won and lost. I think we’ve proved some people wrong. Take Temba (Bavuma). He’s had so much flak from a lot of people and he’s basically just shoved it right back in their faces. He’s a terrific captain and a phenomenal player in this format. It’s a strong line-up. We back ourselves to compete with the bat,” he added.

He concluded by adding that South Africa have some optimism about performing well in the upcoming tournament despite the lacklustre results in other formats.

“We know that things haven’t been great in South African cricket all the time. But (new coach) Rob (Walter) has emphasized that we’re representing a proud country and we have a chance to unite people through sport. We take that very seriously. The language and energy is really positive. We just can’t wait to get stuck in and give it horns,” he signed off.