Miller Named USACA Ambassador

The United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) is proud to announce the appointment of former Australian international player, Colin Miller as its first Ambassador for 2013. The USACA Cricket Ambassador Programme is designed to align past and current stars of the game with an interest in the positive development of US cricket with the peak body for the sport in the USA.

Miller played 18 Tests for Australia between 1998 and 2001 and was a bowler capable of performing effectively either as a right arm fast-medium or off break bowler and achieved a Test average of 26.15. A tail end batsman who made three fifties in 126 first-class matches, he is particularly remembered for appearing with his hair dyed blue in a Test match against West Indies in 2001.

Miller was the Australian Test cricketer of the year 2000-2001 and a member of record breaking Australia team that won an incredible 16 consecutive tests. Always one to ‘take the game on’, Miller hooked West Indian pace bowler Curtly Ambrose out of the stadium twice in the same innings, something he is especially proud of.

Miller also experienced success overseas playing in the UK for 10 years in the Lancashire league including a coaching stint and spent two years in Holland as a professional player and coach. He was only the 3rd player in Lancashire league history to perform the double 100 wickets, 1000 runs in a single season.

A member of Tasmania cricket hall of fame, Miller holds a Level II coach accreditation and is committed to giving something back to the game that had been such a large part of his life. Miller resides in Las Vegas with his wife and was convinced by USACA CEO Darren Beazley to join the new direction in US cricket.

“I love cricket and have long believed that there was enormous potential for the sport to develop here in the US. I knew Darren from our time together in Tasmania and was thrilled to receive his call. I am confident that USACA is moving forward in a positive direction and I’d like to support this approach”.

“It is time for people that have played at an elite level to support the efforts to get more people playing the game and I am committed to help in any way I can. I really believe in US cricket and I am determined to help the USACA team to succeed in making cricket a game for all Americans’.

Mr. Beazley explained the role of USACA Ambassador: “USACA is seeking high profile people that live in the US to support the new direction for cricket in this country. ‘Funky Miller’ has a wealth of experience in the game and will be invaluable in promoting cricket in a positive manner on the west coast and throughout the country. Colin will support some of our plans for development and will feature in some of our promotions at various stages.”

“Funky was always a guy who had fun with the game and didn’t take himself too seriously which I think Americans identify with. He is a positive person that really cares about establishing the game properly from the ‘grass roots’ through to the elite. He is a Level II coach and we intend to have him support our high performance programmes. With his enthusiasm for the game and down to earth approach, Colin will do a great deal to promote positive cricket messages and broaden our appeal.”

USACA Ambassadors are honorary positions with a two year term.

About USA Cricket Association: USA Cricket Association (USACA) is governed by an elected Board composed of national officers and regional representatives. USACA is a 501(c)3 registered charity. USACA's primary objective is to promote, encourage, foster and develop interest and participation in the game of cricket throughout the United States of America. More information is available at www.usaca.org.