SYDNEY, July 2: Former Australian Test player Colin Miller announced his retirement from first-class cricket Tuesday after a colourful, unconventional career spanning 17 years.

The 38-year-old said in a statement released by the Australian Cricket Board (ACB): “My time has come and I will hold on to the magnificent memories.

“I retire content that I have made the most of my opportunities and I have had some great highlights along the way.”

A late bloomer, Miller played his first Test for Australia aged 34, 13 years after his first-class debut.

He played 18 Tests, capturing 69 wickets at 26.15 with a blend of medium-pace and off-spin including a ten-wicket haul against the West Indies at the Adelaide Oval in 2000-01.

He was also a favourite with Australian crowds because of his eccentric behaviour and unconventional dress sense.

He dyed his hair lemon when he made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1998. Three years later, against the Windies, he coloured it electric blue to mark the centenary of Australian Federation.

Miller took 446 wickets during his first-class career and still holds the Australian record of 70 wickets in a season.

“Colin has enjoyed an outstanding career and will be remembered as an entertaining, popular, dedicated and inspirational cricketer,” ACB Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said.

“His perseverance saw him reach the international cricket level as an older, experienced and versatile cricketer and there is no doubt he had significant impact on the international arena.”—Reuters