Hard work pays off for Miller

Four days ago, Jamaican left-arm spinner Nikita Miller did not know what if felt like to take five wickets in an innings at the first-class level.

Within three days of a one-sided Carib Beer Challenge final which saw Jamaica prevail over Trinidad and Tobago by nine wickets at Sabina Park, he has two five-wicket hauls, and ten in a match for the first time.

"It's been a long time coming, and I must say that I'm really, really elated," Miller told the Sunday Express. "I'm really, really happy. I've been working really hard this season, and I'm very grateful."

He attributed his performances this season, which landed him 42 wickets, one more than T&T off-spinner Amit Jaggernauth, and the Bowler-of-the-Series accolade, to hard work and "a bit of luck".

"I love the game of cricket and I put in a lot of work for it, and maybe that's what has worked for me this season," Miller said.

Like many of the region's slower bowlers, he is sitting in wait to be noticed and acknowledged by the West Indies selectors. "It [being selected] would be on my mind, but the only thing I can do is to go on and perform to my best. If the coach or the selectors see it fit, then they will select me. I can't say that I deserve a game or not. So I'll just wait and see what they'll do."

Tamar Lambert, Jamaica's stand-in captain, also had high praise for Miller. "Nikita has been exceptional for us this season. And to get 42 wickets in just six games has been a good season for Nikita Miller. He just continues to bowl well year in, year out," he said.