David Miller Critiques South Africa’s Travel Preceding Champions Trophy Exit
David Miller criticized the travel schedule that forced South Africa to fly to Dubai and back before their semi-final defeat to New Zealand. He highlighted the impracticality of the trip, which provided little time for recovery. Despite Miller’s strong batting performance, South Africa lost the match, with New Zealand scoring a record total in the Champions Trophy.
South Africa’s batsman, David Miller, expressed dissatisfaction regarding his team’s travel to Dubai and back prior to their Champions Trophy semi-final match against New Zealand in Lahore, deeming it “not ideal.” Both Australia and South Africa had to fly to Dubai from Pakistan before the semi-finals, resulting in South Africa spending less than 24 hours in Dubai without playing a game.
Miller elaborated on the inconvenience of the journey, stating, “It’s only an hour and 40 minute flight, but the fact that we had to do that was not ideal.” After defeating England in Karachi, the team immediately embarked on this brief trip which added strain to their schedule. They arrived in Dubai at 4:00 PM and had to return by 7:30 AM the following day without sufficient time to acclimate.
Despite Miller’s commendable performance, scoring a hundred off 67 balls, South Africa ultimately lost to New Zealand by 50 runs, who now advance to face India in the final. Miller’s knock included four sixes and ten fours, highlighting his efforts in a challenging chase against New Zealand’s formidable score of 362-6. He noted, “It’s not easy chasing 360 even if it’s a good wicket,” further remarking on how the pitch seemed to deteriorate over the course of the match.
In summary, David Miller criticized the adverse travel arrangements that South Africa faced during the Champions Trophy, which likely impacted their performance in the semi-finals. Despite his impressive individual effort, the team was unable to secure victory against New Zealand, who produced a remarkable total. The scheduling complications reflected broader issues within the tournament’s organizing, particularly concerning travel logistics.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
