Rising

New England chief selector Geoff Miller has revealed he wants a return to the system where one man captains both the Test and one-day sides.

At the moment Michael Vaughan is in charge for five-day games and Paul Collingwood for limited overs and Miller, who has been appointed as the England and Wales Cricket Board's salaried national selector, indicated he was happy with that arrangement.

But he made it clear he would prefer a return to the more traditional model at the earliest opportunity.

He said: "Ideally I would like one man to captain both, without a shadow of a doubt, but the situation as it is with the two personnel that we have got I am quite happy with that."

Miller was also hoping for another man who has captained his country - Andrew Flintoff - to play an important part in the new era.

The Lancashire all-rounder is still making his comeback from the latest in a series of ankle operations and has created more headlines in the past 12 months for off-field misdemeanours than anything else.

But Miller insisted: "It would be nice to get Andrew fit and he is on the right road to getting fit again.

"He is a vital part of our side in all forms of cricket and there are one or two others like that as well.

"It is a team game and if we can get everyone pulling in the same direction then Andrew will be part of that."

Miller's elevation spelled the end of David Graveney's 11-year spell as chairman of selectors.

Graveney will now oversee the development of young talent in a new role but had hoped to be chosen for the post that went to his friend.

Miller insisted their friendship was still intact.

"Yes, he was disappointed but he understands the situation and the friendship between David Graveney and Geoff Miller will not alter one iota," he added.

"I have worked with David for seven years and have nothing but admiration for him. I'm sure there will be instances where I have to go back to him and talk to him, which he is prepared to do."

England Cricket managing director Hugh Morris insisted Graveney was also relishing taking up his new post.

He said: "I have had a lot of conversations with Grav in recent days and whilst being disappointed he is really excited about his new role and he will bring a lot of skills and experience to it."

Miller will head a new four-man panel, also including England coach Peter Moores and two part-time selectors Ashley Giles and James Whitaker.

The full-time national selector role was one of 19 recommendations made last year by the review group headed by Ken Schofield following England's 5-0 Ashes defeat in Australia and subsequent World Cup failure.

Miller has also vowed to continue with his "other job" - that of after-dinner speaker.

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