Almost 10 years ago, David Miller walked out at Kingsmead in Durban with Australia’s 371/6 staring South Africa in the face.
The Proteas needed a record ODI run chase at the ground to win the match, but at 179/4 in the 24th over, they were reeling. Miller, though, put his hand up when South Africa needed him the most, smashing an unbeaten 118 off 79 balls as the Proteas reached 372/6 with four balls remaining to complete a memorable run chase.
A lot has changed since October 5, 2016.
Miller has since lost his Cricket South Africa (CSA) contract and, at 37-year old, finds himself competing against a new generation of middle-order batters for a place in the side. He is not ready to give up his place just yet.
His immediate goal is to perform well enough to put himself in the frame for South Africa’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 squad, with that journey beginning against the same opposition, at the same ground, in the first of three ODIs on Thursday (starts 10am).
“It makes me feel old (when you say it’s 10-years ago),” Miller said, with a chuckle, when asked about that knock against Australia, during an media briefing on Tuesday.
“It doesn’t feel like 10 years ago. That was definitely one for the memory bank. It was a big total to chase and we chipped away at that and made it into a special day ... I feel like we can make a 10-year-old reunion.”
The memories of that day remain, but Miller is well aware that he cannot live off them. Losing his CSA contract was a blow, but it has not changed his desire to play for South Africa.
“I lost my contract with CSA and it wasn’t nice. It’s never really nice, but it’s part of life,” he said.
“My priority has always been South Africa. I always want to play for South Africa, I love playing for South Africa. Nothing changes, just that I lost my contract. If selected, then I’ll play.”
Getting selected in the Proteas' XI for Thursday's match is the immediate challenge. With the likes of Tristan Stubbs, Matthew Breetzke and Ryan Rickleton pushing for opportunities in the middle-order, Miller sees the competition as something that can help him rather than something to fear.
“There is healthy competition (for places in the team) at the moment, there are a lot of youngsters coming through. It’s great to have that competition, it breeds healthy growth,” he said.
“I just want to be in a position where I can service whatever I can and give my best performance for South Africa.”
For now, Miller says he is happy with where his game is after spending time playing overseas.
“I am feeling really good with my game. I have been playing overseas and have been contributing nicely. I am feeling nice and fit and contributing where I can,” he said.
“I just want to do the best I can — whichever team it is (I am playing for). It’s much the same leading up to this series (against Australia). I’m making sure I’m preparing really well to enjoy a home series, which we haven’t had in a while.”
The timing of the series is significant for the left-hander. Two of his last three ODI centuries have come against Australia, while Thursday's match will be played at Kingsmead, the same ground where he produced that unforgettable 118 a decade ago. But he insists he is not putting additional pressure on himself.
“In my own process, it’s about doing what works for me and giving myself the best chance and servicing wherever I can,” he added.
"I’ve got to trust what’s worked in my career (to date). I’m not putting pressure on myself. I know what I’m worth and what I’m capable of.
South Africans also know what Miller is capable of, and if he finds his range again, the Kingsmead crowd will do themselves a favour by wearing those hard hats during the first ODI.