Veteran batsman Cameron White has been named as the replacement for injured Chris Lynn for the Gillette ODI series against England. It is the most surprising call as the selectors prepare for the 2019 World Cup.
The 34-year-old White’s international career looked over when he last represented Australia in 2015. However, he was given the nod ahead of Glenn Maxwell following his spectacular BBL form, where he scored 285 runs at an average of 142.5 for the Melbourne Renegades.
Since making his debut in 2005, White has played four Test matches, 88 ODIs, and 47 Twenty20 Internationals but recently expressed doubt over his international prospects.
White admitted that he is elated to represent his country once more.
“I was very surprised this morning when (Australian chief selector) Trevor Hohns rang me. In the back of my mind I never really gave up all hope. I’d like to think I can go into it not putting too much pressure on myself but I probably will …. (not knowing) how big of an opportunity it is and how long it’ll last,” White said in Melbourne
White’s selection suggests that he is in the pool of cricketers for the next World Cup as the selectors planning their line-up for the World Cup in about 18 months.
White further admitted that he is not thinking too far ahead and wants to make the most out of the unwanted opportunity.
“It’s just going to be up to me to make the most of it. Hopefully, I can. Making a few runs in the Big Bash hasn’t hurt. Maybe it is a little ironic, (although) I’d like to think that my one-day cricket for Victoria hasn’t hurt my chances of getting this opportunity,” he added further.
White is likely to slot in the vacant number four position as the selectors are keen to fix the batting-order.
“I’ve got no idea (where I’ll bat), we’ve got a team meeting coming up shortly so I might get a bit more of an idea there. All I know so far is I’ve walked into the team hotel, grabbed a t-shirt and a cap and I’m speaking to you guys. I guess I’ll find out more in the next hour or so and the next couple of days,” White signed off.
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