/ 11 October 2004

Cricket legend dies in Melbourne

Australian Keith Miller, rated one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, died in Melbourne on Monday aged 84, a family spokesperson said.

Miller, who played in Don Bradman’s Invincibles team on the 1948 tour to England, passed away peacefully at a nursing home on the Mornington Peninsula south of Melbourne, the spokesperson said.

He was a magnificent attacking batsman, averaging almost 37 in 55 Tests and claimed 170 wickets at 22,97.

Miller made his Test debut in 1946/47 against New Zealand and retired after the 1956 tour to England.

As an aggressive lower-order batsman, Miller was one of the game’s biggest hitters and thrilled crowds with his adventurous play.

With his good looks, flowing mop of black hair and audacious talent, Miller was a favourite of cricket fans around the world.

A gifted all-round sportsman, Miller played 50 Victorian Football League (now Australian Football League) games for St Kilda and represented Victoria in 1946.

Miller was also a World War II fighter pilot, with his service intervening into his early cricket career.

His wife, Marie, was with him when he passed away.

He would have been 85 next month. — Sapa-AFP