12 October 2004	Tuesday	26 Shaban 1425

KARACHI, Oct 11: Hanif Mohammad, the Pakistan batting legend, rated the celebrated Australian Keith Miller as the greatest all-rounder of his era. "I am distressed to learn that he has passed away.

I don't have words to describe his standing both as a cricketer and as a great human being," the former Test captain reacted when Dawn contacted him on Monday. "But there is no doubt that he was arguably the finest all-rounder Australia ever had.

"As a fast bowler he was devastating on his day. And when he batted, the bat in his hands looked a small toy since he was a tall handsome man who could have easily made a name for himself as a top Hollywood star."

Hanif recalled his first confrontation with Miller when Pakistan played Australia in the inaugural Test between these countries in Karachi at the National Stadium in 1956.

Ironically, Miller claimed Hanif's wicket on Oct 11, 1956 when only 95 runs were scored in the day - a dubious world record which still stands today - when Pakistan replied with 15 for two to Australia's 80 all out.

"If I recall correctly, I was out without scoring to Miller in the first innings. He had planned my dismissal shrewdly by getting me caught in the leg trap. "He was a crafty bowler who at times was unpredictable.

Many people are still unaware that Miller was perhaps the only fast bowler who used to bowl googlies without any noticeable change in his speed," Hanif revealed.

"We often came across each other whenever I went to Lord's. We used to recall the good old times when cricket was known as a gentlemen's game," the Pakistan batting maestro added.

"It's a very sad day for world cricket that one of the game's true ambassadors has left the sport poorer. At this moment, my heart goes to Keith's family. On behalf of all Pakistanis, I extend my heartfelt condolence at the demise of one of my good friends," Hanif concluded.