Ice-man Miller believes Jansen can become his spiritual Proteas successor: 'He has the gift'

In Kimberley

David Miller has little doubt Marco Jansen can add to his ever-expanding cricketing repertoire by eventually becoming the type of "finisher" he already is with the bat for the Proteas.

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The lanky 22-year-old, named the ICC's emerging world player of the year last week predominantly for his bowling exploits, has recently started to showcase the batting ability he's regularly touted.

Jansen lit up the SA20 with a 27-ball 66 for Sunrisers Eastern Cape against MI Cape Town before playing a crucial if at times imperfect role in South Africa's momentous, series-clinching chase against England in Bloemfontein last Sunday.

His unbeaten 32 off 29 deliveries mixed fine power-hitting and excellent placement with some nervy over-exuberance though he had the immense benefit of the ice-cool Miller by his side.   

"It's the first time I batted with him. It was really nice just to get that bond together because we've got on well off the field," said the Proteas stalwart ahead of Wednesday's third and final ODI here.  

"Marco's got a lot to offer, he's still very young and a great talent with bat and ball. It was just nice to be there with him, chatting him through a few scenarios.

"When the pressure is on like that, for him to come through the way he did was just really pleasing to see. Hopefully we get a lot more partnerships together in future." 

Miller also believes the hitches during that innings made him more aware of the ever-changing complexion of matches in the helter skelter of the final moments.

"Marco definitely benefitted from [the fluidity of the situation in Bloemfontein]. He's got long levers, he's like 5 metres tall.