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Keith Ross Miller: A splendid disregard for convention
A former fighter pilot in World War II, a part of Bradman's famous 1948 team, the Invicibles, Miller was regarded as one of the world's best cricket all-rounders.
Australia's Keith Miller, rated one of cricket's greatest and crowd-pleasing all-rounders, died in Melbourne on October 11 at the age of 84.
A former fighter pilot in World War II, he was a part of Donald Bradman's famous 1948 team, the Invicibles. He was also a champion Australian Rules Football player.
Keith Miller was regarded as one of the world's best cricket all-rounders. He was a magnificent attacking batsman, averaging almost 37 in 55 Tests and claimed 170 wickets at 22.97. Miller had the perfect riposte when asked if he ever felt under pressure on the cricket field. "Pressure, I'll tell you what pressure is," he said. "Pressure is a Messerschmitt up your arse, playing cricket is not," he said in reference to his flying combat experience in World War II.
Parallels are always drawn between Bradman and Miller. While the former was Australia's hero, people thought of him as God. He was outstanding and magnificent to watch. But Miller was exciting and swashbuckling.
Throughout his 84 years Miller, displayed a splendid disregard for convention and a determination to live life on his own terms. After flying fighter planes over Germany during World War II he never confused sport with war.
Tall, dark and devastatingly handsome, Miller was an improbably glamorous figure.
An outstanding Australian Rules player in his youth, he announced his presence on the international cricket stage with an innings of 185 at Lord's during the 1945 Victory Tests.
His classical style and power, and in particular his driving, were such that the English critics acclaimed him as one of the outstanding contemporary batsmen on the evidence of an unofficial series alone.
Paying his tribute to Miller, Australian Test captain Ricky Ponting said the all-rounder had an enormous impact on cricket.
Speaking at Miller's demise, former India skipper Vijay Hazare described the great Australian, as "a great all rounder and a very good but unpredictable bowler."
"I had high respect and regard for Miller. His passing away is a great loss for the game," he added.
Expressing grief over Miller's death, Richie Benaud said "No one is even close to him in the modern era. Miller was a one-off. There was a golden aura about him."
"He's as much loved in England as was the case in Australia," added the former Australia captain.
