MILLER THE HERO
Cricket Australia has been searching for three generations for an all-rounder of the legendary Keith Miller’s stature. Despite some gifted batsman-bowlers over time no one like Miller has appeared on the scene.
While Don Bradman was admired and feted as the greatest cricketer of all time, Keith Ross Miller was the best loved.
Probably Victor Trumper in the early 1900s, and then half a century later Keith Miller, are the players most idolised by the public.
Miller, a product of Melbourne High School, was a superb footballer with St Kilda and Victoria until cricket claimed him fully.
He went on to become the finest all-rounder this nation has known and maybe only bows to the mighty West Indian Gary Sobers in the pantheon of cricket’s immortal batsmen-bowlers.
A fighter pilot in the Battle of Britain in World War II, he saw many of his comrades lose their lives.
He risked his own time after time, not least on one occasion when he defied orders to fly over the town of Beethoven’s birthplace-for Miller was a big fan of classical music.
Simon O’Donnell’s dad, Kevin, was a pal of Miller. They played together for the Saints and served alongside each other in the RAAF.
Miller’s film star looks and imposing stature saw him admired wherever he played.
It was written that men grew taller in his company, while women worshipped him.
He has always been a revered figure in Britain and year upon year (until about 2000) he would return to London as guest of honour at the annual Combined Services glittering assemblage of over 1500 at the Guildhall.
On being introduced, he always received a prolonged standing ovation.
Not only in this country – but wherever he played -the crowds acclaimed him.
His farewell Test appearance at Lords in 1956 saw him turn in thrilling cameos with bat and ball, and as he left the hallowed arena for the last time, the whole packed concourse rose to him – a thunderous reception from the centre to the pavilion -an ovation tinged with sadness, for all present felt they would never see his like again.
Miller was a true friend of England stars Edrich, Compton and Hutton – all of whom had seen war service in the defence of freedom.
Told by Bradman one evening in the 1948 Test to “bounce and rough up” Edrich and Compton, he replied allegedly: “Rough ‘em up yourself- they’ve seen enough pounding in the war and I’m not going to assault them.”
He didn’t keep more than a couple of career mementoes; most of his blazers, caps, bats and trophies were given away. One simple keepsake was a framed photo of Graham Williams from the 1945 Victory Test at Bramall Lane.
Graham was a prisoner of war in Germany for four long, weary years and was an almost emaciated figure when he came down the pavilion steps to join Miller.at the crease for the Dominions versus England.
The huge crowd of Yorkshire people applauded and cheered Williams to the wicket in a show of emotion and gratitude. Miller claimed this moment as his finest sporting memory.
Renowned BBC interviewer, Michael Parkinson, who across half a century chatted with the famous from all walks of life, was asked who was his all time No. 1. He replied “Keith Miller, first, last and always”.
What a fortune Miller would command in the modern era of TV exposure and sponsorship for sports stars.
But, as many of his contemporaries have stated, Keith Miller was a humble champion and selfless team player.
He loved life, sport, and people. But he had little time for attention seekers, or those with little to offer but who were looking to be up front.
Miller saw the sunshine and shadow of existence and “lived the life of ten mortals”.
