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{{short description|West Indian cricketer}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox cricketer
| name = Nikita Miller
| image =
| country = West Indies
| full_name = Nikita O'Brien Miller
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|5|16|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica|St Elizabeth]], [[Jamaica]]
| heightm = 1.92
| batting = Right-handed
| bowling = [[Slow left-arm orthodox]]
| role = Bowler
| international = true
| internationalspan = 2009–2015
| onetest = true
| testdebutdate = 9 July
| testdebutyear = 2009
| testdebutagainst = Bangladesh
| testcap = 276
| odidebutdate = 4 July
| odidebutyear = 2008
| odidebutagainst = Australia
| odicap = 141
| lastodidate = 15 March
| lastodiyear = 2015
| lastodiagainst = Afghanistan
| odishirt = 33
| club1 = [[Jamaica national cricket team|Jamaica]]
| year1 = 2004–present
| club2 = [[Jamaica Tallawahs]]
| year2 = 2013–2015
| club3 = [[Trinbago Knight Riders]]
| year3 = 2016–2020
| columns = 4
| column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]]
| matches1 = 1
| runs1 = 5
| bat avg1 = 2.50
| 100s/50s1 = 0/0
| top score1 = 5
| deliveries1 = 132
| wickets1 = 0
| bowl avg1 = –
| fivefor1 = –
| tenfor1 = –
| best bowling1 = –
| catches/stumpings1 = 0/–
| column2 = [[One Day International|ODI]]
| matches2 = 50
| runs2 = 284
| bat avg2 = 20.28
| 100s/50s2 = 0/1
| top score2 = 51
| deliveries2 = 2,125
| wickets2 = 45
| bowl avg2 = 36.88
| fivefor2 = 0
| tenfor2 = 0
| best bowling2 = 4/43
| catches/stumpings2 = 18/–
| column3 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
| matches3 = 100
| runs3 = 2,296
| bat avg3 = 17.52
| 100s/50s3 = 0/9
| top score3 = 86
| deliveries3 = 26,356
| wickets3 = 538
| bowl avg3 = 16.31
| fivefor3 = 35
| tenfor3 = 12
| best bowling3 = 9/41
| catches/stumpings3 = 60/–
| column4 = [[List A cricket|LA]]
| matches4 = 139
| runs4 = 678
| bat avg4 = 13.29
| 100s/50s4 = 0/2
| top score4 = 52*
| deliveries4 = 6,375
| wickets4 = 153
| bowl avg4 = 27.30
| fivefor4 = 0
| tenfor4 = 0
| best bowling4 = 4/22
| catches/stumpings4 = 47/–
| date = 27 November
| year = 2023
| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/super50-2017/content/player/52622.html ESPNcricinfo
}}
'''Nikita O'Brien Miller''' (born 16 May 1982) is a West Indian [[cricket]]er who plays international cricket for the [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]] and domestic cricket for [[Jamaica national cricket team|Jamaica]]. He is a [[Left arm orthodox spin|slow left-arm orthodox]] bowler and lower-order batsman. He was the leading wicket taker in the 2007–08 [[Carib Beer Challenge]] and in June 2008 he won his first [[One Day International]] cap with the [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]]. The following year he made his [[Test cricket|Test]] debut for a weakened West Indies team during a contract dispute.

As of June 2013, Miller boasted the lowest First Class bowling average (15.51) of any active player in world cricket. Despite this, he has been overlooked for West Indies selection in favour of other spinners [[Devendra Bishoo]] (FC Ave: 29.77), [[Sulieman Benn]] (27.58) and [[Veerasammy Permaul]] (24.36).

==Career==
===2004–05: First Class debut===
Miller made his debut for [[Jamaica national cricket team|Jamaica]] in the 2004–05 season.<ref name="profile">[http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/westindies/content/player/52622.html Profile: Nikita Miller], ESPNcricinfo, accessed 13 September 2008</ref> He took 39 wickets at 19.56. Highlights included a second innings 4–27 against Trinidad and Tobago.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/WI_LOCAL/CARIB/SCORECARDS/R05/JAM_T+T_CARIB_02-05FEB2005.html|title=Jamaica v Trinidad & Tobago at Jamaica (Alpart), 2-5 Feb 2005|website=static.espncricinfo.com|access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref> and six wickets in the Cup final against Leeward Islands, helping Jamaica win the match and the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8708/scorecard/146290/Jamaica-vs-Leeward-Islands-Final|title=Final, Carib Beer Cup at St Elizabeth, Mar 18-22 2005 – Match Summary – ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref>

He plays for his club side Melbourne in the country's domestic league.<ref name="Surprised">[http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/westindies/content/story/359463.html Miller surprised at late call-up], ESPNcricinfo, accessed 13 September 2008</ref>

Miller toured Sri Lanka in 2089 and took 3 first class wickets at 47.

===2005–06===
In 2005-06 Miller only took 11 first class wickets at 25.

===2006–07===
In 2006-07 he took 6 wickets at 36.66.

===2007–08===
In the 2007–08 [[Carib Beer Challenge]] he was the leading wicket taker in the competition, taking 42 wickets in six games at 14.85.<ref name="profile"/><ref>[http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/westindies/content/story/347688.html Hard work pays off for Miller], ESPNcricinfo, accessed 13 September 2008</ref>

In the final game of the regular season he took seven wickets against the [[Windward Islands cricket team|Windward Islands]], including 406 in one innings, as Jamaica won to win the league.<ref>[http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/westindies/content/story/342676.html Jamaica crush Windwards to win Carib Cup], ESPNcricinfo, accessed 13 September 2008</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8709/scorecard/318273/Jamaica-vs-Windward-Islands|title=Carib Beer Series at St Elizabeth, Mar 14-15 2008 – Match Summary – ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref>

In doing so they reached the 2007–08 final, in which they faced [[Trinidad and Tobago national cricket team|Trinidad and Tobago]]. Having never previously taken a five wickets in innings,<ref>[http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/westindies/content/story/347684.html T&T drubbed by Jamaica in final], ESPNcricinfo, accessed 13 September 2008</ref> Miller took 5 for 29 in the first innings.<ref name="scorecard">[http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/westindiesdomestic/engine/current/match/318279.html Scorecard: Jamaica v Trinidad & Tobago], ESPNcricinfo, accessed 13 September 2008</ref> He followed this with 5 for 92 in the second innings, with Jamaica going on to win by 9 wickets.<ref name="scorecard"/>

"It's been a long time coming, and I must say that I'm really, really elated," Miller said. "I'm really, really happy. I've been working really hard this season, and I'm very grateful.. It [being selected for the West Indies] 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."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/westindies/content/story/347688.html|title=Hard work pays off for Miller|access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref>

====International ODI debut====
Subsequent to end of the West Indies domestic season, [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]] toured the Caribbean. Having not been selected for either the Test series or the initial or the first three ODIs, Miller was "surprised" to be one of three new players called up for the final two ODIs in [[St Kitts]], replacing [[Suliemann Benn]]. "I was looking out for it [earlier] because I had a good season so I always kept my mind in tune for that call so that I won't be surprised," said Miller. "I was disappointed [not to be called up sooner] but now that I got the chance I have to take it with both hands."<ref name="Surprised"/> The West Indies had already lost the series 3–0.<ref>[http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/westindies/content/story/359272.html West Indies call up Miller and Findlay], ESPNcricinfo, accessed 13 September 2008</ref>

Mill made his West Indian debut on 4 July 2008, his first international wicket coming when he dismissed [[Michael Clarke (cricketer)|Michael Clarke]] lbw.<ref name="debut">[http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/westindies/engine/match/319146.html Scorecard: 4th ODI West Indies v Australia], ESPNcricinfo, accessed 13 September 2008</ref> He finished with figures of 1 for 19 as the West Indies lost by 1 run.<ref name="debut"/>

Two days later, in the final ODI of the series, he took 1 for 38, dismissing [[Luke Ronchi]].<ref>[http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/wivaus/engine/match/319147.html Scorecard: 5th ODI West Indies v Australia], ESPNcricinfo, accessed 13 September 2008</ref>

Miller kept his spot in the ODI squad for a three match series against Pakistan. Then he went on the ODI tour of New Zealand.

===2008===
He was selected for the [[2008 Associates Tri-Series in Canada]] later that year, and took 3 for 19 against [[Bermuda national cricket team|Bermuda]],<ref>[http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/scotia/engine/match/349902.html Scorecard: West Indies vs Bermuda], ESPNcricinfo, accessed 13 September 2008</ref> before taking 2 for 18 as the West Indies beat [[Canada cricket team|Canada]] in the final.<ref>[http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/scotia/engine/match/349901.html Scorecard: West Indies vs Canada], ESPNcricinfo, accessed 13 September 2008</ref>

He took 2–75 in a first class game.

===2008–09===
Miller had another good season in 2008-09 taking 38 wickets at 16.34. In one game against Trinidad he took 8 wickets and scored 86.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/westindies/content/story/395510.html|title=Jamaica thrash Barbados to pull away from the pack|work=Cricinfo |access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref>

===2009: Test debut===
Miller made his Test debut on 9 July 2009. He was part of an understrength team fielded by the West Indies against [[Bangladesh national cricket team|Bangladesh]]; the 15-man squad included nine uncapped players. Including Miller, seven West Indies players made their debut and the side was captained by [[Floyd Reifer]] who had played the last of his four Tests ten years earlier. The first XI had made themselves unavailable due to a pay dispute with the [[West Indies Cricket Board]].<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.cricinfo.com/wivbdesh2009/content/story/413237.html |title=West Indies name replacement squad |publisher=ESPNcricinfo|date=8 July 2009 |access-date=10 July 2009}}</ref>

===2009–10===
Miller toured Australia with the West Indies team in 2009–10. He took 3–51 in a game against the Prime Ministers Xi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvwi09/content/story/446820.html|title=Gayle blasts West Indians to eventful tour win|work=Cricinfo |access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref>

At home Miller took 22 first class wickets at 12.86 with a best return of 7-28.

In one day cricket he took 4–47 against Zimbabwe helping the West Indies to a rare series win,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wivzim2010/content/story/450987.html|title=Gayle, Deonarine help West Indies level series|work=Cricinfo |access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref> and 3–15 against Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/westindies/content/story/455951.html|title=Chanderpaul and bowlers thrash Canada|work=Cricinfo |access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref>

===2010–11===
In August 2010 Miller was given his first central contract by the WICB,<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/westindies/content/story/475334.html |title=Sarwan, Taylor and Ramdin cut from WI contract list |publisher=ESPNcricinfo|date=31 August 2010 |access-date=28 May 2012}}</ref> though it was not renewed in October 2011.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/westindies/content/story/535292.html |title=Samuels, Fidel Edwards given WICB contracts |publisher=ESPNcricinfo|date=22 October 2011 |access-date=28 May 2012}}</ref>

He only took five first class wickets that summer. He took 2-8 for West Indies A against Pakistan A in a T20<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/westindies/content/story/485988.html|title=Hyatt helps West Indies A sweep Twenty20 series|access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref> and 2-4 for Jamaica against Somerset.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8623/scorecard/488480/Jamaica-vs-Somerset-Group-A|title=Group A (D/N), Caribbean T20 at Bridgetown, Jan 18 2011 – Match Summary – ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref>

At the [[2010 ICC World Twenty20]], Benn and Nikita Miller set the record for the highest 10th wicket partnership in T20 World Cups (20). That record was later equalled by the partnership between [[Steven Finn]] and [[Jade Dernbach]] at the [[2012 ICC World Twenty20|2012 tournament]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/fow/highest_partnerships_by_wicket.html?id=89;type=trophy|title=Cricket Records. Records. World T20. Highest partnerships by wicket |publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2017-04-19}}</ref>

===2011–12===
Miller had an excellent season in 2011-12 taking 49 first class wickets at 10.76, with a best of 5–16.

===2012–13===
In 2012-13 Miller took 52 first class wickets at 8.05, including six five-wicket hauls, a best of 7–13.

He played for West Indies A against Sri Lanka A, scoring 6-141 and making 50 not out in one game, and taking 6-51 and 2–23 in the one dayers. He also helped his club, Melbourne CC, win the national 50 overs title.{{citation needed|date=June 2026}}

In 2013 he toured with the West Indies and took seven first class wickets.{{citation needed|date=June 2026}}

===2013–14===
Miller took 13 wickets over the tour of India with the West Indies A side. He was their leading bowler.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=8519;team=3851;type=series|title=Cricket Records – Records – / – West Indies A in India unofficial Test Series, 2013/14 – West Indies A – Batting and bowling averages – ESPNcricinfo|access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref>

At home he took 30 first class wickets at 25.2.

===2014–15===
Miller took 17 wickets in 2014–15 at 14.05.
He toured Sri Lanka taking two first class wickets.

Miller was a part of the 2015 [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]] 15 man World Cup squad.

===2015–16===
Miller took 65 first class wickets in 2015–16 at 16.86 with a best of 8-67.

===2016–17===
In November 2016 during the [[2016–17 Regional Four Day Competition]], he took 5–22 against the Windward Islands, helping Jamaica to a narrow victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8893/scorecard/1063302/Jamaica-vs-Windward-Islands-|title=WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4 Day Tournament at Kingston, Nov 18-21 2016 – Match Summary – ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref>

A month later he took career-best figures of 9/41 in the second innings of a match.<ref name="9for">{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1063308.html |title=WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4 Day Tournament, Jamaica v Trinidad & Tobago at Kingston, Dec 8-10, 2016 |work=Cricinfo |access-date=10 December 2016 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref name="consec">{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wicb-regional-4-day-2016-17/content/story/1072081.html |title=Miller narrowly misses out on ten-for in big Jamaica win |work=Cricinfo |access-date=11 December 2016 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> These figures were also the best in West Indies' domestic cricket.<ref name="best">{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/westindies/content/story/1072396.html |title=Was more focused on winning than getting all ten |work=Cricinfo |access-date=14 December 2016 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> He ended the tournament as the leading wicket-taker, with 58 dismissals in ten matches at 14.29,<ref name="wickets">{{Cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=11594;type=tournament |title=WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4 Day Tournament, 2016/17: Most wickets |access-date=24 April 2017 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> matching his feat from the [[2015–16 Regional Four Day Competition|2015–16]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/wicb-regional-4-day-2015-16/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=10611;type=tournament|title=Cricket Records. WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4 Day Tournament, 2015/16. Records. Most wickets |publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2017-05-07}}</ref> edition.

It was again raised why Miller was not playing international cricket. "If called up to do a job [by West Indies], will do to best of ability – but my mind is not really on it," Miller said. "The one thing I'd say about criticism of whether I could replicate my domestic performances at Test level, and can only speak for myself – I have played in A team cricket in 2013 versus India and Sri Lanka, playing against guys like [Virender] Sehwag, [Gautam] Gambhir, [Cheteshwar] Pujara, Yuvraj [Singh] and got five-wicket hauls and was the leading West Indies A wicket-taker. Yes, the standard (of West Indies domestic cricket) could improve to another level, but if it was I believe I'd still do well, because if you're good, you perform despite the standard."<ref name="best"/>

Miller also took 3–12 in nine overs in a 50 over game against Combined Campuses & Colleges.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/super50-2017/content/story/1081254.html|title=Barbados in semis after thrilling win|work=Cricinfo |access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref>

==Lack of international representation==
Nikita Miller's lack of international critic has mystified some. Miller had been overlooked in favour of [[Shane Shillingford]], [[Devendra Bishoo]], [[Sunil Narine]], [[Veerasammy Permaul]] and [[Jomel Warrican]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricketsoccer.com/2017/05/08/nikita-miller-badly-treated-west-indies-selectors/|title=Why has Nikita Miller been so badly treated by West Indies selectors? – CricketSoccer|website=cricketsoccer.com|date=8 May 2017 |access-date=5 December 2017}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

One writer said " I keep hearing that he doesn't really spin the ball and doesn't get the bounce of, say, a [[Sulieman Benn]]...I have heard that he has disciplinary issues, but that can't be substantiated. As far as I know, he has never been put before a disciplinary panel and found guilty of any serious offence. The Nikita Miller I know is outspoken, and will stand up and say what he believes. There are times when he may rub authorities the wrong way with his willingness to speak up, but others have played far more often for the West Indies with far greater baggage on their resume."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/commentary/20161220/orville-higgins-whats-nikita-miller-shutout|website=The Gleaner|first=Orville|last= Higgins|title=What's Up with the Nikita Miller Shutout?|date=20 December 2016}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30}}

==External links==
*{{cricinfo|id=52622}}

{{Navboxes
|title=West Indies squads
|bg=#79001F
|fg=#FCED00
|bordercolor=#FCED00
|list1=
{{West Indies Squad 2010 World Twenty20}}
{{West Indies Squad 2011 Cricket World Cup}}
{{West Indies Squad 2015 Cricket World Cup}}
}}
{{Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel Squad}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Miller, Nikita}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:West Indies Test cricketers]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Jamaica]]
[[Category:West Indies One Day International cricketers]]
[[Category:West Indies Twenty20 International cricketers]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Saint Elizabeth Parish]]
[[Category:West Indian cricketers of the 21st century]]
[[Category:Jamaican cricketers]]
[[Category:Cricketers at the 2011 Cricket World Cup]]
[[Category:Cricketers at the 2015 Cricket World Cup]]
[[Category:Jamaica Tallawahs cricketers]]
[[Category:Jamaica cricketers]]
[[Category:Trinbago Knight Riders cricketers]]

Nikita Miller - Revision history

GlendaBancroft: drafted new details