Cricket: McMillan gives critics short shrift

Craig McMillan admits he could do with a big score to silence his critics, but says talkback callers and "other so-called cricket experts" are wasting their time if they think they will drive him from the game.

"I've been written off before," said McMillan during the rained-out second day of Canterbury's State Championship match against Auckland yesterday.

He has stopped listening to Radio Sport and reading newspapers but knows a succession of low scores, such as those in the three Chappell-Hadlee matches against Australia, will stir up another swarm of criticism.

"I try to stay away from it because most of it is pretty negative. Sometimes it can be a bit personal and that can be upsetting. I don't have any issues with constructive criticism," McMillan said.

"The only opinions that hold any sway with me are the coach, the captain and my team-mates. As long as I've got their belief then I'm not really too concerned about what some so-called cricket experts say."

McMillan, Hamish Marshall and Nathan Astle have been at the fore when commentators have called for batsmen to be dropped, with McMillan's name usually the most prominent.

That includes former internationals who have become commentators.

McMillan said: "They are not close to the team, they are not aware of what tactics we are employing.

"A lot of the stuff they say is from left field. It's not informed but the public think it is. Everybody is entitled to their opinion in this country but at times I find their opinions frustrating."

Although he mustered only 20 runs during the 2-1 loss to Australia in a series which included two New Zealand scores over 300, McMillan's confidence in his ability to compete at the highest level has not been shaken.

"I know I'm still a good player and believe I can do the job not only for Canterbury but also for New Zealand.

"I had a very good year last year but if I miss out a couple of times people jump on the band wagon," he said.

"I don't listen to radio or read the papers because I know what is in there. Your family reads it and are upset by it, and other people sometimes tell you what's been said. But I want to stay as positive as I can."

- nzpa