David Miller says the Proteas will only ditch the chokers’ tag by winning a World Cup.
South Africa have reached the semi-finals of the 50-over tournament four times in eight appearances since 1992, only to suffer agonising defeats (or tie, in the case of the 1999 semi against Australia).
They’ve also failed to lift the T20 World Cup in eight attempts since the inaugural event in 2007.
“It would be silly to say we don’t know anything about that [cynicism],” Miller told the Sunday Times. “All the guys are aware, people are always bringing it up. It’s something that has gone on and on, and I think, to put it bluntly, it will only stop when we win a World Cup.”
The ODI World Cup takes place in the same year as the Rugby World Cup, which the Springboks have won three times in seven attempts since 1995.
And while the defending champion Boks’ buildup to the 2023 tournament in France generated plenty of hype and excitement, the Proteas’ buildup to the 50-over showpiece in India, which starts on 5 October, has been mute in comparison.
When asked if it’s unfair to compare the teams, Miller replied: “No, because they have won three World Cups.
“In cricket, the game itself can be quite challenging,” he added. “It takes a lot to win a World Cup and only one team can win out of 10. I think we have to be really strong, understanding that we have the players to do it. We have the experience and we have to just give it our best shot. When the moment arises, we have to step up, that’s the bottom line.”
