Australia remember Miller with armbands

Australia will wear black armbands during the second Test against India at Chennai, which starts tomorrow, in a tribute to Keith Miller, the country's greatest allrounder, who died on Monday.

James Sutherland, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, said discussions would soon be held on how best to honour Miller, who played 55 Tests and also represented Victoria and New South Wales. "It's a sad time for Australian cricket," said Sutherland, "but we at the same time celebrate his career, his achievements on the cricket field, his runs and wickets, but perhaps just as importantly the way he played the game."

Miller played for Victoria between 1937 and 1946-47 before moving to New South Wales, and was awarded life membership of the NSW Cricket Association in 1959. "Keith Miller will be sadly missed by the cricket community and sports-lovers around the world," said Cricket NSW's chief executive David Gilbert. "He will always be remembered for his spirited displays on the cricket field and his generous and entertaining nature in public life."

Steve Bracks, the Victorian premier, announced that Miller would receive a state funeral on Wednesday at Melbourne's St Paul's Cathedral. "Keith Miller was one of the greatest sportsmen our state has produced," said Bracks. "I'm sure many Victorians will want to join together in celebrating his life."