Spin bowler Nikita Miller is hopeful that another breakout season in the WICB First-Class League will be able to propel his career to another level.
At present, the leading wicket-taker with 48 wickets after seven rounds of matches in the 10-round tournament, Miller is again on course to top the bowling charts, something he has been doing consistently for the past nine years.
ONE OPPORTUNITY
However, for all his regional dominance and subsequent WICB/WIPA Cricketer of the Year awards, the 33-year-old has only ever got one opportunity to prove himself for the West Indies at the Test level.
That Test appearance came against Bangladesh when he was drafted among a group of replacement players following the withdrawal of senior players over payment contract disputes in 2009.
In that match, he went wicketless for 67 runs off 22 overs, an economy rate of 3.04.
Since then, left-arm bowler has only featured in one-day and Twenty20 Internationals.
“I am not somebody who dwells on those things too much, as I can’t control it,” Miller outlined, after claiming seven for 69 against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their first innings at Sabina Park.
The haul was his 22nd five-wicket haul at the first-class level.
“What I can control is what I do for Jamaica when I get the ball to do my thing. Whenever I go into a tournament, I look to get the most wickets everytime,” he declared.
In 46 one-day internationals, Miller has taken 46 wickets at an average of 36.80 and an economy rate of 4.65.
In Twenty20, he played nine matches for the Windies and claimed 11 wickets at an average of 20.36 and an economy rate of 7.07.
But why have regional selectors not picked him for Test matches or even as a regular member of their one-day or Twenty20 outfits?
REPRESENTING THE WEST INDIES
“I am one of the few privileged players to have represented the West Indies, and it is always an honour to play for the team,” stated Miller, who has claimed 386 first-class wickets at an average of 16.93 and impressive economical rate of 1.96.
Regarding claims that he should be selected, Miller said: “I have heard that, but I don’t want to comment. You just have to accept what the position is and what decisions are made.”
He added: “I am one that believes that once a player is there, he should be given his opportunity to do what he is doing.
“There is Warrican that is there now, and he should be given the opportunity to do what he has been doing.
“If it doesn’t work out, then you can make your changes. But for now, I am comfortable performing for Jamaica, and wherever that takes me, I am happy.”
