Miller ready to start new CPL chapter
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH Saturday, June 25 2016
The People’s Newspaper continues to profile the players of the reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) as the countdown continues for the start of the 2016 Caribbean Premier League.
Newsday and the TKR franchise have formed a partnership which would see Newsday getting behind- the-scenes access to the players of the TKR and its support staff for the duration of the CPL.
Fans can expect in-depth coverage of the Trinbago Knight Riders players, their off-field activities, previews and of course match reports. The Trinbago Knight Riders open their season against the St Lucia Zouks on June 29 at the Queen’s Park Oval, St Clair.
AFTER SPENDING two years representing his host nation franchise, Jamaica Tallawahs, at the Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 Tournament (CPLT20), spin-bowler Nikita Miller has been drafted to the defending championship team, Trinbago Knight Riders, for the 2016 edition which bowls off on Wednesday.
The left-arm orthodox spinner, who will compete alongside the likes of mystery spinner Sunil Narine and 2015 West Indies Player of the Year Sulieman Benn, was at the Queen’s Park Oval this week, where he underwent several training ground routines alongside his new teammate and coach Simon Helmot.
On his recent selection to the title- winning squad, Miller remains enthusiastic on his future with the Trinbago Knight Riders.
“I’m looking forward to playing for the Knight Riders this year,†said the 34-year old. “Representing the Jamaica Tallawahs was a great experience but now I’m here and plan to do my best for the Trinbago Knight Riders. I’m not too worried about the challenges because it’s just a new chapter in my career and I intend to give it my all.†Miller relishes the thought of playing alongside the likes of international stars such as Hashim Amla (South Africa), Brendon McCullum and Colin Munro (New Zealand), mixed with a fusion of Caribbean talents.
“I’m privileged to be a part of this team this year and to be around some of the other big name athletes from around the globe,†he added.
However, with the likes of Narine and Benn deemed as some of the tournament’s feared spinners, Miller remains confident that he will be given his time to shine draped in his purple, red and yellow Trinbago Knight Riders colours.
“These guys (Narine and Benn) are great professionals and I hope that my experience can add to the team’s strengths, partnered with all the international players as well. I know that they will impart their knowledge and cricket wisdom to the younger ones and increase the chances of the team winning the competition. I’m really excited about the CPL this year and playing for a new team will bring me new opportunities to grow as a player,†he continued.
A hugely consistent performer in the domestic game, Miller holds an extraordinary First Class record, even in an era of dubious West Indian batting quality and where spin dominates.
Miller earned his first chance at international level in 2008 after being the leading wicket-taker in the 2007-08 domestic season.
Since then he has been unable to cement a permanent spot, but neither has he drifted off the scene as West Indies have tried a wide collection of spinners. His Test debut, and so far only appearance, came in 2009 when he was one of a host of players called up when senior names boycotted the St Vincent Test against Bangladesh over a contract dispute.
As a spinner, at international level he relies more on changes of pace than ripping spin to gain his wickets, and holds respectable economy rate in ODIs. He featured in the 2011 World Cup and gained late selection for the 2015 event following the withdrawal of Narine
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