David Miller Leaves Knights to Join Old Franchise Dolphins

South Africa star David Miller has returned to his old franchise Dolphins, handing the Durban-based outfit a huge boost ahead of the new season. The middle-order batsman’s started his professional career with the Dolphins, making his first-class debut for the franchise in 2008.

However, he parted ways with the team in 2016-17 after Lance Klusener’s coaching contract was not renewed. The Dolphins also lost fast bowler Kyle Abbott, Daryn Smit and Cameron Delport. The Dolphins faced administrative upheaval in the aftermath of Klusener’s departure. However, things slowly improved under new coach Grant Morgan.

The Dolphins are yet to win a trophy outright under Morgan but  shared the 2017-18 one-day cup. They also reached the final of the T20 tournament.

Expressing his delight over returning to his old side, the southpaw said:

“My two seasons with the Knights were great and they were just what my career needed. My time there challenged me in different areas but it was quite an easy decision for me to come back to Durban,” Miller told the Dolphins’ official website.

We're proud to announce @DavidMillerSA12 as the newest signing to our @Hollywoodbets Dolphins family, making a very welcome return to Kingsmead. We look forward to all value he will bring in the coming seasons.#WelcomeHomeDave #DolphinsCricket #BringItIn#DurbanDolphins pic.twitter.com/tFWSfDsq4y

— Dolphins Cricket (@DolphinsCricket) June 5, 2018

“I do a lot of traveling as it is and so the travel between Durban and Bloemfontein became an issue and I am happy to be back where it started for me.”

With the next World Cup less than a year ago, David Miller is hoping to cash in on the Dolphins good last season in white-ball cricket.

“The Dolphins had a good season in white-ball cricket last year and they are building something special and I am looking forward to adding to that this season. I have heard a lot of good things about Morgs [Grant Morgan] and his passion for the game and his work ethic beyond training and matches, it is exciting,” Miller added.

For Knights, Miller’s departure closely follows Theunis de Bruyn’s, who left last week to join the Titans.