Cricket: Life outside sport taking McMillan's time

James McMillan mulls his cricketing future in the face of a busy study schedule. Photo by Linda...
James McMillan mulls his cricketing future in the face of a busy study schedule. Photo by Linda Robertson.
James McMillan is not quite sure whether he has reached the end of his run-up or not.

But the fact the 37-year-old fast bowler has two children under 3 and is in the first year of a three-year occupational therapy degree rather suggests his cricket career might be winding down very soon.

While he has not ''officially retired'', he is also not sure how he is going to squeeze the game into his schedule.

''At the moment all my focus is on this course,'' McMillan said.

''I have had chats with [Otago coach] Nathan [King] and he suggested I start rolling my arm over around September.

''I've kept my gym training going and I'm still strong but I'm not putting myself under any pressure at all.''

Realistically, McMillan can imagine himself playing for Otago again only if there are a lot of injuries.

That said, potentially he could be available for Otago's twenty20 campaign in November if he got match-fit in time.

The one-day programme begins in late December and perhaps he could fill in if needed.

But there are a lot of ifs in both scenarios and McMillan is just is not in a position to make a stronger commitment.

''That is why I pulled out of the contracting process. But if there is a chance I can play again or the opportunity presents itself, then who knows?''One thing is for sure, McMillan will not be adding to his first-class career. He retired from the longer format last season.

McMillan made his first-class debut against Central Districts in Wanganui in November 2000 but his career, which spanned 15 years, was punctuated by injury.

He missed the 2003-04 season with a stress fracture. The next two seasons were interrupted by the same shoulder injury and he has also been hampered by hamstring strains, side strains, rolled ankles and you name it.

McMillan's body perhaps paid the price for that extra pace he was able to generate. In his prime, he was one of the fastest bowlers on the domestic scene and as late as the Champions League in 2013 he was still able to clock speeds of 140kmh.

''The Champions League was the time I felt the best. I felt I could bowl quick and my rhythm was the best it has ever been.''

He impressed with his pace, he was frugal and took wickets at the top and it all felt like an unexpected bonus to McMillan.

Had Brett Lee and James Fuller been available, or Jacob Duffy not got injured, McMillan probably would not have been selected for the trip.

''Everything went in my favour with injuries and guys pulling out, and then everything just clicked. I just had so much control.''

McMillan took five wickets at an average of 21.80 but it was his economy rate of 6.05 which stood out.

The Volts narrowly missed a spot in the semifinals and McMillan was one of the stars during a very good campaign.

McMillan married Carolyn in 2010 and the couple have two children - Hunter, who turns 3 in October and Annabelle, who is 9 months old. He is enjoying his studies and has moved on with life. If he has played his last game for the province, then it is the friendships he will miss the most.

''I'd miss spending time with the group of lads. For me, I've lost a lot of them recently with Warren [McSkimming] retiring and Aaron [Redmond] has gone. Nathan [McCullum] isn't around much, so all the older guys have left, so you do miss those friendships.''

Add a Comment

OUTSTREAM