Blow for SA as veteran batter Miller ruled out of England T20Is due to injury

South Africa have suffered a blow ahead of their three-match T20 International series against England, with veteran batter David Miller ruled out due to injury.

Cricket South Africa confirmed on Tuesday that the 36-year-old picked up a hamstring problem while featuring in The Hundred for Northern Superchargers.

“David Miller has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against England due to a right hamstring strain,” CSA said in a statement on social media. “Miller sustained the injury during the final week of The Hundred while representing the Northern Superchargers.

“He has been unable to recover in time for the T20I series, which gets underway at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Wednesday.”

No replacement has been named in the Aiden Markram-led squad, leaving the touring contingent at 14 players.

Miller, who also missed the preceding ODI series, remains central to South Africa’s long-term plans. Captain Temba Bavuma recently underlined that the left-hander continues to be part of the Proteas’ roadmap for the 2027 World Cup.

In a boost to the backroom staff, Cricket South Africa also announced that former Proteas all-rounder Albie Morkel will join the T20I side as a bowling consultant for the series. Morkel, who played more than 100 limited-overs internationals for South Africa and featured in global T20 leagues, brings valuable experience in the shortest format to support Markram’s squad.

“Former Proteas all-rounder Albie Morkel joins the T20I support staff as a bowling consultant for the series,” the statement added.

In the ODI series, England defeated South Africa with a dominant 342-run win in the final match at Southampton - setting a new record for the largest victory margin by runs in men’s ODI history.

The previous record of 317 runs, set by India against Sri Lanka in 2023, was eclipsed by 25 runs.

The series begins at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Wednesday, before moving to the Ageas Bowl in Southampton and The Oval in London.

Sam Curran has been recalled to England’s T20I side for the opening match of the three-game series against South Africa, set to take place in Cardiff on Wednesday.

This marks Curran’s first appearance in the T20I setup under head coach Brendon McCullum, having last featured in the format during the tour of the West Indies in November 2024.

The 27-year-old all-rounder was drafted into the squad following a standout campaign in The Hundred, where he played a pivotal role in Oval Invincibles’ title win. Curran impressed with both bat and ball, amassing 238 runs and claiming 12 wickets, which made a strong case for his inclusion.

England’s ODI series defeat to the Proteas highlighted the absence of a seam-bowling all-rounder, with the fifth bowler role largely handled by part-time spin options Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks.

Curran’s return adds much-needed balance and experience to the side. Both Bethell and Jacks retain their places in the XI for the T20I opener, with Bethell expected to bat at No. 3 and Curran slotting in at No. 5.

However, England have shown a flexible approach to their batting order, particularly in using Curran as a counter to South Africa’s left-arm spin threat.

Joining Curran in the pace department are Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer, the latter continuing his return to international cricket following injury setbacks. The spin attack is bolstered by the experienced Adil Rashid and left-armer Liam Dawson, providing England with variety and depth.

Agencies