Proteas star David Miller spared in DRS controversy

South African middle order star David Miller was front and centre in another DRS controversy.

David Miller (centre) and Faf du Plessis of South Africa speak to umpire Aleem Dar as they await a review of Miller's LBW challenge. Picture: AAP

South African middle-order star David Miller was front and centre in another DRS controversy after blasting the tourists into a dominant position in the third ODI against in Hobart.

Miller clubbed a scintillating century to propel the Proteas to 5-320 in the series decider against Australia at Blundstone Arena, but benefited from what could be a pivotal moment in the last over before the second drinks break.

The powerful left-hander, on just 41 at the time with the visitors 3-133 and going along at a modest four runs an over, was given out lbw to a Glenn Maxwell delivery that was fired in quick and flat from around the wicket.

Miller and captain Faf du Plessis deliberated for 19 seconds — players are only allowed a maximum of 15 to decide whether to challenge a decision — before the captain somewhat reluctantly made the call to review instead of Miller.

Despite the decision appearing very adjacent to the naked eye, Hawkeye’s ball tracking showed the delivery bouncing over the top of leg stump and Miller earned a reprieve.

The review stunned many commentators, with 2015 World Cup winning squad member Xavier Doherty, a noted defensive specialist spinner, on ABC radio declaring he struggled to see how Maxwell was extracting enough bounce for the ball to clear the stumps.

Miller made full use of his reprieve, combining with his skipper for a record-breaking stand after the side had slipped to 3-55 when Mitchell Starc had Aiden Markram caught down the legside on the third ball after the first drinks break.

The duo added 252, which was a South African record for the fourth wicket and the highest partnership ever against Australia in limited overs cricket.

Du Plessis, who cashed in a life of his own when he was dropped by Alex Carey up to the stumps off Maxwell on 29, finished with 125 from 114 balls, with the union only ended by a brilliant diving catch from Shaun Marsh in the deep.

Miller went on to register his highest ODI score of 139, which came off just 108 balls and contained 13 boundaries and four sixes, before being caught on the fence on the third-last ball of the innings.

South Africa piled on 130 runs in the last 10 overs as du Plessis and Miller went on the attack, leaving the hosts facing a mammoth run chase.