After a match-turning century in South Africa’s opening fixture against Zimbabwe when he and J.P. Duminy added a world-record 256 unbroken for the fifth wicket, DAVID MILLER has not been required to contribute as much as the left-hander had hoped in the next two matches, although he made just 20 in the defeat against India.

Grace and elegance have little place in his technique, which is to hit the ball with such power that it stays hit. Miller has been particularly effective in the Powerplay overs because of his big-hitting.

With age on his side, the good-looking Miller is just happy to bide his time although on his maiden international appearance for the Proteas, he was the top-scorer in a one-run T20 win over West Indies.

After making his international debut at the age of 17 in 2010, GEORGE DOCKRELL has gradually come of age as a promising left-arm spinner — something of a rarity in Irish cricket given the climate found there.

His rise is quite remarkable by the fact that he had only been bowling spin for four years, having switched from bowling seam at the age of 13 after being spotted bowling spin in a car park during an Ireland age group tour of Wales.

He was named the ICC Associate Player of the Year in 2012.

His father Derek also represented Ireland in the days when the side was all-amateur and not allowed to qualify for the World Cup but George is playing in a very different era.

Published in Dawn March 3rd , 2015

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