Knights lose David Miller to Dolphins

Bloemfontein-based franchise Knights have suffered a second loss in as many weeks, ahead of the 2018-19 summer. After former captain Theunis de Bruyn moved to Titans, the Knights have also had to say goodbye to middle-order batsman David Miller, who is rejoining the Durban-based Dolphins.

Miller is originally from Durban and played his domestic cricket at Kingsmead until the 2016-17 season, when he left after Lance Klusener's coaching contract was not renewed. The Dolphins also lost fast bowler Kyle Abbott, who moved to the Warriors and then Hampshire that summer. The Dolphins faced administrative upheaval in the aftermath of Klusener's departure, but have since rebuilt under new coach Grant Morgan.

Though they have not won a trophy outright under Morgan, the Dolphins shared the 2017-18 one-day cup and reached the final of the T20 tournament. With the World Cup high on South African players' agendas, Miller's return to Durban aligns with his major tournament goals. "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," Miller said on the Dolphins' official website. "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."

The Dolphins have yet to announce their complete contract list, but Miller, who is CSA-contracted can nominate which franchise he would like to represent. In May, the Dolphins extended the deals of Morgan and assistant coach Imraan Khan until the end of the 2019-20 season.

The Knights have also yet to reveal how they will plug the gaps caused by de Bruyn and Miller leaving. With the pair in their squad, the Knights won the first-class competition in 2016-17, but went trophy-less last summer.