Cameron White?

[GVGjr]

With the emergence of Steven Smith as a potential leg spinning all-rounder for the Australian side I wonder how much longer Cameron White has to claim spot in the test side?

No one would question his potential with the bat and his slips fielding is very good but unless the selectors lose faith in Mike Hussey or Marcus North in a hurry, White might never be able to establish himself as a test class cricketer.

He will certainly always be in the mix for the limited over versions of the game because of his powerful hitting but with the likes of Smith and Ferguson right in the selectors mind he needs to grab any chance he can get and make the most of it.

I'd be interested in your opinions if you think White has the talent required to be a number 5 or 6 batsman in the test side and if you think he will ever get his opportunity?

[boydogs]

Re: Cameron White?

Not sure he's quite up to it. His best assets seem to be hitting out and all-round ability, which are more valuable in limited overs matches. Happy to be proven wrong

[Rocco Jones]

Re: Cameron White?

Interesting question. I had a near completed reply written out about how there is no crossover between the spots White and Smith are competing for before realising there might be!

After White's test series in India and how rarely he bowls for Victoria, I really see him as a specialist bat and part-time bowler. I think his bowling isn't a consideration as guys like Katich, Clarke and North offer the same or more with the ball. So basically, he is competing for a batting spot up against Hussey and North atm.

I see Smith as a bowling all-rounder atm and mainly competing with Hauritz for a spot in the side but it can change if Smith and Hauritz become both worthy of a spot in the side. This could mean that we play Smith in place of a pace bowler with Watson picking up the load or we could go with Smith batting at 7 with Haddin moving to 6. This would mean we have 2 spin and 4 pace options while still having Smith and Johnson batting at 7 and 8 respectively. In the latter scenario he is vicariously competing with White for a spot as in affect, he is taking away a batting spot.

Fwiw I think White has improved as a batsman. He has been strong for Australia in ODIs in England and India and has started off the Shield season well. I would love to see take over Hodge's spot at 3 for the Vics. I think batting at 3 for your state side is the best preparation for batting anywhere from 3-6 in the national side.

[GVGjr]

Re: Cameron White?

After White's test series in India and how rarely he bowls for Victoria, I really see him as a specialist bat and part-time bowler. I think his bowling isn't a consideration as guys like Katich, Clarke and North offer the same or more with the ball. So basically, he is competing for a batting spot up against Hussey and North atm.

White's bowling should now be regarded as very much as a part timer and in fact his next best skill outside of his batting is his fielding. He's certainly not competing for even a 2nd spinners position although he could be a handy extra.
His only chance is to force his way into the batting line-up at 5 or 6.

I see Smith as a bowling all-rounder atm and mainly competing with Hauritz for a spot in the side but it can change if Smith and Hauritz become both worthy of a spot in the side. This could mean that we play Smith in place of a pace bowler with Watson picking up the load or we could go with Smith batting at 7 with Haddin moving to 6. This would mean we have 2 spin and 4 pace options while still having Smith and Johnson batting at 7 and 8 respectively. In the latter scenario he is vicariously competing with White for a spot as in affect, he is taking away a batting spot.

Smith's bowling isn't ready for the number one position so his true value is as a batsman at number 6 who provides some decent spin and then is followed by the likes of Haddin and Johnson in the batting order. To that end in my opinion he is in a showdown with White and a few others for the number 6 spot albeit his bowling is far better than the other candidates.
Despite the hype about him, if Australia were to go to the sub-continent and need to play two genuine spinners I'd rather look at Holland and Krejza to support Hauritz.

I certainly don't agree with the selectors that Smith should be competing with Hauritz for the number 1 spinners spot.

[hujsh]

Re: Cameron White?

At the moment he's looking good for a spot with North to go eventually and Ponting and Hussey eventually retiring. The first spot will go to Hughes with Watson moving down the order. Then he should be competing with Klinger, S.Marsh, Bailey and possibly Khawaja for the next two spots. I think he's got the edge on Bailey and Marsh and Khawaja haven't got the consistent seasons White has. He's 26 so he's got at least 5 years where age won't hinder his chances (going by previous selector form).

[Rocco Jones]

Re: Cameron White?

He's 26 so he's got at least 5 years where age won't hinder his chances (going by previous selector form).

It was a point I was going to mention. Sometimes players who start their FC career early can become victims of their own success. White is still 26, an age most players start being in contention for a test spot where White has been seen has having the potential to do so for awhile.

[chef]

Re: Cameron White?

The ideal number 5 or 6 for me. Also offers the side a great first slip and he would be the perfect allie(and VC) for Clarke when he takes over the captaincy.

[The Pie Man]

Re: Cameron White?

The ideal number 5 or 6 for me. Also offers the side a great first slip and he would be the perfect allie(and VC) for Clarke when he takes over the captaincy.

Agreed - it may mean nothing, but being named VC of the 20/20 national side may hint at a good working relationship between the two.

North looks vulnerable ATM, his reaction to his 2nd innings dismissal in Melbourne perhaps an indication of the pressure he maybe under.

[lemmon]

Re: Cameron White?

Number 6 is his spot in the national set-up for mine. His bowling shouldn't be taken under consideration now with Watson performing with the ball and his aggressive batting and safe hands are hopefully keeping North under pressure. Watson should stay at the top with Katta, White slides in at 6 in place of North and if Hussey doesn't continue to consolidate his position Ferguson (when fit) or Bailey slides into 5 with Clarke going into 4.

[Throughandthrough]

Re: Cameron White?

White back in the test team?


Dreaming.....

[hujsh]

Re: Cameron White?

Didn't see the game. What'd he do that's so bad? Was it Tait's pace?

[Throughandthrough]

Re: Cameron White?

Tait was as fast as he ever has been\ tonight, and way more accurate then usual (not hard..)

D Hussey had a big spit when he was out, took AGES to walk off the Oval, had a crack at the Redbacks Camp and then is rumoured to have shoved a security person in the chest!

[chef]

Re: Cameron White?

White back in the test team?


Dreaming.....

Why?

[GVGjr]

Re: Cameron White?

Why?

My guess is that he would need some outstanding performances to get back into the side and he is coming up a bit short on them at the moment.
Batting at 3 last night and with an early wicket he had a good chance to stamp his authority on the game but clearly couldn't handle Tait's pace.

[Throughandthrough]

Re: Cameron White?

Why?

Because a lot of other players have passed him in whay i think would be the selectors plans.

Yes he can hit a long ball playing limited overs cricket, but for me that's about as good as he gets.

Definitely not even close to being an allrounder, is a batsman who sometimes bowls "ok".


So if I am comparing Batsmen with Batsmen, look elsewhere.

(I'd like to see Vogues get looked at and also Bailey, and assuming Ferguson from the Redbacks makes a full recovery from his knee op. he will get considered as well)