Every mission needs a level-headed person who can handle pressure. Someone who knows what is at stake and can equally be flippant about it and rise above the occasion. That to me would be someone like this...
Enter
Keith Ross Miller, my second recruit and also coincidentally... the second member of the Order of Australia to be a part of this team. Miller was one of those larger than life figures whose presence transcended the mere sport. He could win you games with either bat or ball depending on the mood and need. Like Sobers, his captaincy was unconventional and at first glance appeared to be nothing more than "do your jobs lads" but it hid a very charismatic and keen mind that did it's job for New South Wales. Miller's international career took him in whatever direction the team needed; he was a classical batter who could bowl originally but in a period where the Don wanted him to be more of a bowler, he fulfilled that role instead by forming a lethal strike partnership with Lindwall. Miller ended up being one of the best bowlers of his period (had the third best bowling average in his playing time) and was an incredible match-winner with all of his five wicket hauls resulting in wins. The real danger in facing Miller was his unpredictability; he loved his quick bouncers but was equally willing to bowl a standard length ball that swung or a yorker if the need presented itself. Or,
he could bowl leg-spin if the mood fancied him or to close the day out. He was equally exhilarating with the bat and arguably underachieved on the international stage due to the necessity of wanting him to be a bowler first and his own inability to concentrate to the extent of other batters in the side. Not to worry though since he'll primarily be our side's enforcer with the ball and his batting will be used to up the ante or rebuild after a collapse, both of which he is well suited to.
Garry Sobers
Keith Miller
@mohsin7827 has the next pick.
