LEFT-ARM orthodox spinner Nikita Miller says he is ready to face South Africa when the teams meet in a series of Twenty20 and One Day Internationals (ODI), starting today at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Miller is one of three Jamaicans, along with captain Chris Gayle and pacer Jerome Taylor, to be selected in the 14-man West Indies squad for the two T20s and the first two ODIs set to be played in Antigua.

“It’s always a challenge playing against one of the top teams in the world. I think they fall in the top three in One-Day cricket so I know it will be tough. I’m always up for a challenge so it’s up to me to go out there and play hard if I’m in the final 11 and hope that my best is good enough,” Miller said, while watching a local club game between top tops Melbourne and Kingston at Sabina Park last weekend.

Known for his ability to adapt to varying conditions and his tendency to quickly assess a batman’s weaknesses, the 28- year old told the Observer he relies on his mental strength to get an advantage.

“At the highest level it’s very challenging and you have to put a lot of thinking into it. You have to be prepared not only physically and technically, but you also should be mentally prepared. I’ve put a lot of work into my thought process,” he said.

“There are a lot more talented spin bowlers around but I try to use my thought process to outsmart batsmen. I try to outthink batsmen game by game and session by session,” added the man who averages 35.27 in 31 ODIs and 18.85 in 38 first-class matches.

Miller’s lone Test appearance was in July of last year against the visiting Bangladeshis.

After leaving Antigua, the teams will meet in two more ODIs in Dominica before they fly north to Jamaica to play the fifth and final match of the limited-overs series at Sabina Park.

Miller is optimistic his good run of form will continue, and consequently ensure an extended run in the regional squad.

“I feel privileged and I’m always happy to be a part of the West Indies team. I always want to go out there and give off the best for my Caribbean people and for my country. It’s been a lot of hard work coming through the years,” he said.

Despite having to play second fiddle to towering spinner Sulieman Benn during the West Indies’ poor showing in the Super Eights of the World T20 tournament, Miller remains unfazed in his quest to secure a permanent place in the starting team.

“It is up to me to continue working hard and to show that I can become even better as a player so I can contribute to this team becoming a winning unit. Every player wants to be selected in a final 11, but as a team person I understand that everybody can’t play, so I have to support the team,” he said.

“I was disappointed, but I understood the situation. When I’m not selected I try and take the opportunity to better my game so that I can carry out my duties better when I get the chance,” Miller added.