David Miller’s record knock honours mother Jenny in ‘really emotional’ Pink Day victory

It may have been written in the stars that David Miller had his mother Jenny’s name on his shirt during the Proteas’ Pink Day ODI win over Australia at the Wanderers on Sunday, as the veteran left-hander notched up the highest score of his career.

Miller bludgeoned 142 from 93 balls with 12 fours and nine sixes as the Proteas posted 365/9 batting first. Though he was ably assisted by Temba Bavuma, who scored 103, it was an especially poignant moment for Miller, who was named player of the match.

Pink Day was dedicated to honouring breast cancer survivors, and Miller’s mother, Jenny, is one such inspiring story.

With Miller now the oldest player in the Proteas setup at 37, family seems to mean that much more for the South African stalwart.

“This year was really cool because they personalised the shirts with breast cancer survivors around the country. It was a special day for all the ladies, and it’s been a great initiative over the years,” said Miller in his post-match press conference.

“Having this one today was really emotional. I don’t think my mom has stopped crying for the last 24 hours! It’s been a really cool day having my mom and dad here supporting. Topping it off with Man of the Match and doing well makes it extra special, more so for her.”

With his mother’s health journey weighing heavily on his mind, the knock at the Wanderers may rank as the most special of his career, Miller hinted.

“It’s been a tough couple of years, and to celebrate the challenges they’ve been through on a day like this makes it really special for them. She said to me earlier, ‘I don’t have enough makeup today because it keeps falling off!’ They’re very happy and proud. They’ve been there from day one for me, so it’s obviously very special.”

As the long-standing mainstay of the Proteas middle order, Miller is still fighting for his place in the squad for the World Cup on home soil next year against an influx of raw talent in the form of Tristan Stubbs, Matthew Breetzke, and Dewald Brevis.

Miller is also no longer a nationally contracted player for Cricket South Africa, choosing to make the most of his twilight years by competing in various lucrative T20 leagues across the globe.

That is why the timing of his latest century could not have been more significant.

“Every single game for me—whether for South Africa or domestically—I just want to contribute in the best way that I can and make an impact. Having been around for a long time, it’s important to lead from the front and put my hand up. I was pretty hungry today to get that right after the first game. There’s no guarantee of making a World Cup—there never is. There’s a lot of hard work I personally need to put in and keep contributing. At the end of the day, it is what it is, and I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead.”

@MichaelSherman

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