South Africa's big-hitter David Miller recalls how his experience of the adventure sport helped him overcome fear
David Miller
What was supposed to be an adventure activity turned out to a sort of career-changing moment for South African batsman David Miller. Last year, the 26-year-old went skydiving in Dubai while he was on a break to play some golf with his cousins.
David Miller. Pic/Getty Images
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"It was damn scary. It is the craziest thing I have ever done. I prayed to God and just jumped off the plane. I was so happy to be alive," said Miller during an interaction yesterday.
Little did he know of the impact it would have on his batting. "It has just made me realise that you can overcome fear. Everyone has fears. Fear of failure is a big thing in cricket and life."
Diving played a significant role in Miller perfectly finishing the games for South Africa of late, especially in T20s.
The southpaw's unbeaten 53 revived Proteas, who were reeling at 72-5 at one stage, chasing 158 to win against Australia in the first T20I at Durban last month. Miller is also able to push his team to higher totals with some power-packed batting in the death overs.
Looking at the position where Miller bats, he knows he has a golden chance to create history for South Africa by winning the World T20 for the first time. "It is not about getting scared (under pressure).
It will be about making certain decisions in the middle and think in a positive way because most of the time, whatever you think, you do.
"I want to move forward in the World Cup. Though it is a team effort, I want to be a part of changing something as I know the middle-order will be crucial in either chasing or posting a total," said Miller.
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