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Craig McMillan

Portrait Photo © CricInfo 1999

Craig McMillan embodies the spirit of the Kiwis. A few years ago no one took the New Zealanders seriously in world cricket. All that has changed. The Kiwis perhaps don't have the superstars like some of the other big teams. But what they lack in raw talent they more than make up for with guts and a never say die attitude.

Craig McMillan is the most exciting prospect for the Kiwis for some time to come. An aggressive batsman, he is always keen to dominate the bowling. Craig McMillan is never overawed by the big occasion or the big names he is up against. A clean striker of the ball, Craig McMillan is a versatile batsman and can hold his own comfortably in any batting position from three to seven. Most of his successful knocks have been in trying conditions, whether in one dayers or in test matches.

While he is on the field he is never afraid to exchange a word or two with the opposition. When required McMillan will take the ball and bowl his nippy medium pacers. With his stocky build, he hits the deck hard and can often surprise batsmen with a quicker delivery or a short ball. Aggression is his middle name, and this was most obvious in the way he slipped in a bouncer in at Sachin Tendulkar, arguably one of the world's best batsmen.

When fielding within the ring, he is sharp and has a safe pair of hands. Most batsmen will not take chances with his powerful throws from the outfield. McMillan is a genuine team man if there ever was one. Always keen to be part of the game in whatever way he can, McMillan is a captain's dream, and an opponent's worst nightmare!