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In retrospect it can be seen that Geoff Miller's progress as a Test
cricketer came to a halt in Lahore in 1977-78 when Bob Willis got out
and left him on 98 not out. Many feel that the confidence of a Test
hundred would have spurred this batsman and off-spinner from Derbyshire
onto new heights, but despite some useful performances he never aspired
to the summits again. His early promise saw him blooded in the Oval Test
against the all-conquering West Indians of 1976. Despite taking only
one wicket - that of Roy Fredericks - for 106 runs, he batted well in
the lower order against the ferocious pace of Michael Holding,
outscoring most of the specialist batsmen with 36 and 24.
He toured
India that winter without playing a Test and returned to the side with
that near-century in Lahore. When England continued their tour in New
Zealand he made 89 at Christchurch and took 3-99 in Auckland. Dusty
Miller - the nickname is given to most Millers as a matter of course -
was a regular in Mike Brearley's team in the late 70s, his batting often
acting as a saner foil to Ian Botham's extravagances - and his off-spin
partnership with John Emburey played an important part in England's
Ashes win of 1978-79. In Perth he scored 40 and 25 and taking 3-21 and
making 64 at Adelaide. He made 63 not out and 62 against India in 1979,
but after one Test in Australia gave way to the greater batting skills
if less effective bowling of Peter Willey.
He returned to the side in
1982 with 98 against India and toured Australia with David Gower's side,
taking the rebound catch in the slips that gave England a last-gasp
victory in Melbourne. He played in the 1979 World Cup side, but only
appeared against Canada. (Bob Harragan)
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