David Miller highlights importance of mental preparedness

Proteas star David Miller says that being mentally prepared for each new challenge is essential.

Miller feels that players need to make calls on their own workloads in an environment that can de demanding.

David Miller says you have to be prepared for what’s coming

He is currently turning out in the Pakistan Super League for the Multan Sultans.

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“I think it’s all mental,” David Miller told ESPNcricinfo. 

“It’s about being prepared for what’s coming ahead. 

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I knew I was coming to the PSL after the SA20. 

“I knew mentally I was going there all along, and you mentally prepare yourself with that journey for the next couple of months. 

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“I took December off with family and friends, took a really nice break and felt I was refreshed for the next six months. 

“It can be challenging going from one place to another, but as long as you’re mentally prepared beforehand, it makes it a lot easier to perform for those competitions.

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“There’s a lot of cricket nowadays, internationally and leagues. 

“Your schedule can get quite busy. 

“I just listen to my own body, especially at this time of my career. 

“I don’t want to play so much cricket I’m feeling mentally fatigued. 

“It’s just about listening to your body and knowing when you need a break. 

“And just to be honest about that. 

“There’s a lot of money involved in cricket nowadays. 

“So it’s important to make mature decisions about whether you really need a break or if you can keep going.”

PSL pitches are great for batting

David Miller has enjoyed the PSL wickets although he admitted that the lower bounce takes some getting.

“My experience in Pakistan is the wickets are actually pretty good. 

“I think maybe the bounce might be a bit different to other countries, where it’s a little bit lower. 

“It’s not that steep sharp bounce. 

“If you can get used to the bounce, you can hit through the line and make sure your body position’s a bit lower.

David Miller added: “That’s one of the key areas.

“I’d watched bits and pieces of the PSL over the years and what I’ve taken from that is the bowling is really good. 

“Pakistan always produce really good fast bowlers. 

“They’ve also got world-class spinners. 

“An overseas player coming in as a batter, it’s a good competition to be a part of. 

“It challenges you in many different ways. 

“That definitely makes the PSL a stand out for me with the kind of death bowling that they’ve got and the pace they’ve got as a nation. 

“It definitely does challenge you and I’m really enjoying the fact that I can be in that position to challenge my skill.”

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