The Otago seamer has picked up nine wickets at an average of 23 in two games and will need to be at his best again today.
Otago will play Canterbury at Hagley Oval and the home side boasts an impressive batting line-up which includes two-ton-Tom — Tom being Black Caps test opener Tom Latham.
The opener has scored big hundreds in back-to-back games for Canterbury and shapes as a major threat again. Next man in Henry Nicholls has eight test centuries to his name and boasts a quality first-class record as well.
But they are both lefties, which Muller is quite happy about.
The right-armer moves the ball off the seam both ways and has enjoyed some success against the southpaws this season. He removed the dangerous George Worker twice in the opening game against Auckland and also snaffled the wicket of Sean Solia.
Latham and Nicholls are much more accomplished players.
But the 29-year-old is full of the sort of confidence which only comes through hard work.
"I’m pretty happy with how I’m going," he said.
"I couldn’t have asked for a better start for the team in terms of winning that first game.
"I’ve definitely found I’m in good rhythm with the ball and I think that is probably due to using the [winter] marquee and getting in a lot of bowling on grass."
Otago ran out of time to push for a win against Northern Districts in Tauranga last week. A weather delay and bad light robbed the game of crucial overs.
But the Volts had got themselves into a position to win and there is a good feeling in the camp.
"In terms of where the team is at, I fell like we are in a really good space and competing well. Hopefully we can be just as competitive [against Canterbury]."
Cue questions about Latham.
"He is obviously a world-class batsman, so we’re just going to have to be really patient with the ball and challenge him as much as possible and see if we can break through him.
"It will take a big effort from all of us.
"I’ve got a bit of a nick-name — the lefty killer. I’ve been getting out a few of the left-handers around the country, so I’m fancying myself at the moment with left-hand batters.
"Hopefully I can get a few more of them in this game."
Muller is approaching a small career milestone. He needs a further 41 runs to bring up 1000 first-class runs. The South African-born right-hander averages just north of 20, but that average climbs to nearly 30 for Otago.
He scored a half century against Northern Districts in his last knock and is part of a lower order which is determined not to give their wickets way cheaply.
Muller has been asked to perform the nightwatchman’s duties this season, which he is excited about. Jacob Duffy has the bragging rights, though. He has been coming in at No 9 and has scored 29, 34 not out and 70, which puts him in the top 10 run-scorers so far this season.
The former captain is also the leading wicket-taker.
In the other games, Central Districts will host Northern Districts at Saxton Oval and Wellington will play Auckland at the Basin Reserve.
Plunket Shield
Otago v Canterbury
Otago: Hamish Rutherford (captain), Jacob Cumming, Dale Phillips, Dean Foxcroft, Thorn Parkes, Max Chu, Michael Rippon, Travis Muller, Jacob Duffy, Michael Rae, Jarrod McKay, Jake Gibson.
Canterbury: Tom Latham, Chad Bowes, Henry Nicholls, Cole McConchie, Leo Carter, Mitch Hay, Henry Shipley, Angus McKenzie, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Fraser Sheat, Ken McClure.
