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Miller Surprised To Be Called
Up So Late In Digicel ODI Series - Says Lack Of Match
Preparation Not A Problem
Date Posted: July 02, 2008.
BASSETERRE, ST KITTS – West Indies newest selectee, Nikita
Miller, the left arm spinner from Jamaica said that he was
not expecting to be called up this late in the Digicel One
Day International Series.
"I wasn't really expecting it for the rest of the series, it
came as a surprise but all in all I'm happy," Miller said
shortly after his first practice session with the West
Indies squad at Warner Park in Basseterre.
The 26 year old said that he was looking forward to a call
from the selectors earlier in the season after he had a good
season in Carib Beer cricket but that call did not come
until now.
"I was looking out for it because I had a good season so I
always kept my mind in tune for that call so that I wont be
surprised, I was disappointed (when I was not called up
earlier) but now that I got the chance I have to take it
with both hands," said Miller who picked up 42 wickets in
the regional first class season.
Trinidadian off spinner Amit Jaggernauth and Barbadian left
arm spinner Sulieman Benn were selected in the West Indies
squad previously but after his debut Test in Jamaica
Jaggernauth was dropped and after the first three Digicel
ODIs Benn was similarly cut from the squad. The West Indies
trail 3-0 in the five match Digicel ODI Series against
Australia after the opening encounter in St Vincent followed
by two Digicel ODIs in Grenada.
Miller said that he has not played any cricket since the end
of the Carib Beer season but he has been trying to keep
fresh by bowling in the nets.
"I was preparing for the local one day series (in Jamaica),
I've been doing a bit of practice at the club I play for,
Melbourne," Miller said.
He said he does not think this will be a major setback
though as he believes in his skills.
"I have to believe in my skills, I've been able to do well
at the regional level and all I have to do is believe in
myself, I know I can do a good job," said the uncapped
Miller.
Asked about his overall preparedness for international
cricket Miller said he was pleased.
"I'm pretty happy. I don't think my bowling can fall off in
a month or so," he reasoned.
Miller was brought into the West Indies ODI squad along with
his uncapped countryman Shawn Findlay along with rookie
Barbadian fast bowler Kemar Roach who appeared in one
international Twenty20 for the West Indies against Australia
prior to the start of the Digicel ODI Series.
Benn, wicketkeeper Patrick Browne, hard hitting batsman
Kieron Pollard and injured fast bowler Jerome Taylor were
not named in the squad for the final two Digicel ODIs in St
Kitts.
For more information please visit www.digicelcricket.com
