KINGSTON – Left arm spinner Nikita Miller says he is hoping to fill the void left by off-spinner Sunil Narine for West Indies in the Cricket World Cup next month.
The 32-year old seasoned Jamaican spinner has been named to replace Narine for the prestigious event which runs from February 14 to March 29 in Australia and New Zealand.
He has not played for West Indies in nearly a year but has the experience of 45 One-Day Internationals and has taken 40 wickets.
“‘I’m honoured and happy to be selected,” Miller told the Jamaica Observer.
“I’m replacing Narine, but it is unfortunate he had to pull out because he has been great for the West Indies”.
Narine was named in the World Cup squad earlier this month but pulled out on Tuesday, citing the need to continue work on his bowling.
He has been doing remedial work ever since being reported for having a suspected illegal action during the Champions League Twenty20 last September.
“He will be a great loss. Hopefully, I can fill that void efficiently,” said Miller. “Hopefully, I can do a good job for the team where required and give my best.”
Miller was due to leave Jamaica yesterday to join his teammates who arrived in Sydney on Friday for an eight-day training stint that focuses on death bowling, power play bowling and fielding.
There has been surprise in some quarters at Miller’s selection ahead of other spinners such as left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who has taken eight wickets at 30 runs apiece in six outings.
Permaul, 25, has also tallied 11 wickets at 13.36 with an economy rate of 3.12 during the Regional Super50 tournament. (CMC)