David Miller Still in South Africa's 2027 World Cup Plans Despite ODI Absence

David Miller Still in South Africa's 2027 World Cup Plans Despite ODI Absence

Veteran batter David Miller remains firmly in South Africa's plans for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, despite being unavailable for the ongoing ODI series against England, according to captain Temba Bavuma.

Miller, 36, has not featured for South Africa since the Champions Trophy semi-final in March, but is set to return for the T20I series beginning September 10. His absence from the ODIs stems from his commitment to the Hundred, where he was playing for the Northern Superchargers. The tournament concluded over the weekend, with Miller’s side eliminated on Saturday night.

“David's still within the mix in the ODI stuff, if that answers your question,” said Bavuma, speaking ahead of the series-opener at Headingley.
“Essentially, he wasn't available for selection... He wasn't part of our build-up. But then with the T20 stuff, the Hundred is done, he'll fall back into the team.”

Miller had signed a hybrid contract with Cricket South Africa (CSA) earlier this year, allowing him some flexibility to participate in franchise tournaments. As a result, he missed South Africa’s white-ball tour of Australia in August, as well as the current ODI preparation in England.

While his age might raise eyebrows — Miller will be 38 when the 2027 World Cup begins — his performances suggest he remains a vital part of South Africa's middle order. He boasts an impressive ODI record, averaging 42.30 at a strike rate of 103.68 across more than 150 innings. In the recent Hundred, he scored 133 runs in five innings, smashing 14 sixes, including four in just 10 balls during Saturday’s Eliminator.

Bavuma acknowledged the contractual logistics behind Miller’s absence and stressed that his unavailability was pre-agreed.

“What I understand is that those communications were done during his contract times... Any international commitments that occurred during the Hundred, David wasn't available for.”

Despite missing Miller, South Africa head into the ODI series with a near full-strength squad. Matthew Breetzke and Kagiso Rabada will miss the opening game due to minor injuries, while Heinrich Klaasen has retired from international cricket since the Champions Trophy.

Bavuma emphasized the broader context of the series as preparation for the next World Cup, which South Africa will co-host alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“That's the bigger picture… But we'd like to bring ourselves back to here and what we need to do to be successful in England.”

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