Ponting leads tributes to Miller

Ponting was disappointed he never met Miller

Australia captain Ricky Ponting has led the tributes to great all-rounder Keith Miller, who died on Monday.

Miller, who played in Donald Bradman's Invincibles team, died in Melbourne at the age of 84.

Ponting said the impact Miller had on cricket was enormous and generations of Australian fans said he was their hero.

Ponting said: "Australian cricket has lost one of its greats but I am sure his memory and the impact he had on our game will last forever."

Miller played 55 Tests for Australia, and amassed 2,958 runs at an average of nearly 37 and took 170 wickets at 22.97 after making his debut in 1945-46.

Obituary: Keith Miller

A gifted sportsman, he played 50 Australian Rules football games for the Melbourne team St Kilda in Australia's premier league and represented Victoria state in 1946.

He was also a World War II fighter pilot.

Ponting added: "It disappoints me greatly to say that I never had the opportunity to meet him, as it would have been a privilege to sit down with him and hear stories about his life as an Australian cricketer.

No-one is even close to him in the modern era. Miller was a one-off Richie Benaud

"They say that it is impossible to compare generations, but I can say with certainty that Keith Miller would have been one of Australia's biggest stars today, just as he was during his career."

Former captain and widely respected cricket commentator Richie Benaud said there was a golden aura about Miller.

He said on Australian television: "No-one is even close to him in the modern era. Miller was a one-off. There was a golden aura about him.

Miller was a flamboyant personality, an inspirational leader and a war hero to boot From Daraius Have your say on TMS

"He's as much loved in England as was the case in Australia.

"In England they had television, whereas television didn't start here until 1956 so we lost Miller because he retired in that year.

"To have Miller on television would have been absolutely outstanding.

"Miller was sensational. Around the world, there will be a real sadness that Keith has gone."

Former Indian wicket-keeper Farokh Engineer told BBC Sport: "I modelled myself on him. He did the Brylcreem thing and was a flamboyant perfomer.

"He was a tremendous character and a great man. He will be sorely missed. You can be sure his name will always be on everyone's lips with the highest of praise."