A great all-rounder is too often a graceful character that instils a sense of fear and awe in the opposition. Keith Miller, a champion performer from Down Under, espoused the description to a T.
Miller, a terror in many a batsman’s mind, was a world-beater — all by himself. A giant of an all-rounder too, with a devil-may-care attitude, Miller had, as a fast bowler, only a few peers. His bat was just as animated — more so when the occasion demanded. None really has been able to reach, or overtake, his exalted status, yet — except, of course, the incomparable Sir Gary Sobers. But, then, the West Indian wizard was a left-hander.
Miller’s strengths, as a batsman, used to blossom in crises. He loved to hit his way out of trouble. On the other hand, he would simply ‘throw away’ his wicket, in the absence of a challenge. As a fast bowler, Miller could deliver his thunderbolts from a short run-up. He had no normal run or bowling mark. He didn’t believe in such parameters. Yet, his lifting, disconcerting deliveries used to often unsettle the best batsmen of his time — as the legendary Len Hutton used to testify. To top it all, Miller could bowl a few lethal leg-breaks when the batsmen would least expect them. He had a well-concealed googly too. Talk of variety — Miller had them all.
Miller (November 28, 1919-October 11, 2004) formed a deadly combination with Ray Lindwall, who was sheer poetry in motion. Miller was more than just a smart fast bowler too — his swing was well-defined; and, the pace he was able to generate off the wicket was extraordinary, not to mention his subtle variations in speed and swing. He used the bouncer, with telling effect, against the top-order batsmen, but never against the ‘tail.’
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