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'I have done a fitness test and it seems...': David Miller gives crucial update ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 after missing two SA20 games

David Miller expects to play in Paarl Royals' SA20 2025 Qualifier 1 clash against MI Cape Town on February 4 after missing two games due to injury.

Sports Tak

• Tue • 04 Feb 2025

South Africa's David Miller walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal by Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi (unseen) during the first T20I match at the Kingsmead stadium in Durban on December 10, 2024.

Highlights:

David Miller expects to return to action after missing two league stage games.

Paarl Royals will be without the services of Joe Root in SA20 2025 Qualifier 1.

Miller will go to Pakistan for tri-series after SA20 League.

South Africa's veteran middle-order batter David Miller sustained a groin injury more than a week ago in an attempt to stop a boundary. After missing Paarl Royals' two games in SA20 League 2025, Miller has hinted that the injury may not prevent him from featuring in the Qualifier 1 against South Africa's MI Cape Town at Ste George's Park, Gqeberha on February 4.

"I am feeling good. I took a week off. I have done a fitness test and it seems to be going well. Let's see how we pull up tomorrow morning," he said as quoted by PTI.

Miller missed the matches against Joburg Super Kings on February 30 and Sunrisers Eastern Cape on February 1.

The southpaw added to the injury list of South Africa players ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, he is likely to be fit before the mega tournament.

No rest days between SA20 and tri-series in Pakistan

Even if Paarl Royals lose to MI Cape Town, they will play the Qualifier 2 on February 6. The final is scheduled to be held on February 8 in Johannesburg. Then, South Africa's Champions Trophy-bound players will go to Pakistan for a tri-series. Their first match of the tournament is against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on February 10.

Miller's numbers in SA20 2025

Miller has been in decent form in the season. He has scored 183 runs from seven innings at an average of 91.50 and strike rate of 134.55.

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Miller on Root's absence in playoffs

England's Joe Root has been in splendid form in the season. He is their second-highest run-scorer. The Englishman scored 279 runs from eigth innings at an average of 55.80 including three fifties. He has joined the Jos Buttler-led side for the three-ODI series in India. Miller backs other players to put their hand up in Root's absence.

"It's not possible to replace a player of that calibre but I really believe that we have got a squad that is very adaptable and the guys coming in are super positive and skilful as well. In a few games, Root did not do well and other players pulled up in those particular games. "So, it's not a problem for us. The guys are geared up," said the 35-year-old.

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Root will play his first ODI match since ODI World Cup 2023. He averages just over 40 in ODIs on Indian soil but yet to score a century.