Miller greatly relieved to make Ashes squad

Reigning Australian Test cricketer of the year Colin Miller admitted today he was mightily relieved to have been picked in the Ashes squad after hearing whispers he could be overlooked.

Miller, who has taken 32 wickets at an average of 24.5 in his last six Tests, said he would have been very disappointed to miss out.

The selectors were never going to pick more than two spinners in the 16-man Test squad.

They eventually went for Miller and Shane Warne, again leaving NSW legspinner Stuart MacGill on the outer.

"Stuey's unlucky. Every time he plays for Australia he takes wickets," said Miller, who has the added advantage of being able to bowl medium pace.

"For me, it doesn't get much better than this.

"It's a great relief because there was some speculation I might miss out on this tour."

Miller will be making his first Ashes tour at 37, but he does have plenty of experience of English conditions, having spent seven years plugging away in the local leagues.

He has claimed nine wickets at 26.44 in three previous Tests against England in Australia, compared to MacGill's 27 at 17.7 in four Tests against the old enemy. But the head-to-head battle this time will be with Warne, who has claimed 58 Test wickets against an often shellshocked England on two previous Ashes tours.

"I see myself and Shane fighting for the one spot," said Miller.

"That's how I always prepare myself.

"Stephen (Waugh) always says that no-one is guaranteed a spot."

After grabbing the headlines by dying his hair a lurid "Federation blue" during the summer home series against the West Indies, Miller promised English audiences a different colour.