Nikita Miller not bothered over non-inclusion

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- Prolific Jamaican spinner Nikita Miller says he does not intend to dwell on his non-inclusion in the West Indies senior team for the T20 World Cup in India starting next month.


Miller was responding to claims in some circles that he should have been included on the squad on the basis of his outstanding bowling performance in regional tournaments.

On course to top the bowling in the WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL), Miller is currently the leading wicket-taker with 48 wickets after seven rounds of matches.

“I am not somebody who dwells on those things too much, as I can’t control it,” said Miller after claiming seven for 69 against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their first innings at Sabina Park.

“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.”

The 33-year-old spinner, winner of the WICB/WIPA cricketer of the year award, has claimed 386 first-class wickets at an average of 16.93 at an economy rate of 1.96.

He says he has accepted the fact that he has not been included in the regional squad and refused to be drawn into the debate on the issue.

“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,” said Miller who has played 46 one-day internationals, taking 46 wickets at an average of 36.80 and an economy rate of 4.65.

He has played nine T20 matches for the Windies claiming 11 wickets at an average of 20.36 and an economy rate of 7.07.

“I have heard that, but I don’t want to comment,” he said in response to the debate over his non-selection.

“You just have to accept what the position is and what decisions are made. I am one that believes that once a player is there, he should be given his opportunity to do what he is doing.”

Sulieman Benn and Samuel Badree have been selected as the main spinners on the West Indies squad which includes star batsman Chris Gayle, skipper Darren Sammy and T20 specialist Andre Russell.