White hopes for World Cup cricket role

Power-hitter Cameron White is sure he can do a job for Australia’s one-day cricket team at the World Cup, if only he can force his way into the squad.

White was the hero of Australia’s T20 series-clinching two-wicket win over South Africa in Sydney on Sunday night, scoring an unbeaten 41 off 31 balls to secure a dramatic final over victory in game three at ANZ Stadium.

However, the powerful Victorian hasn’t been chosen for any of Australia’s last 72 ODI’s stretching back to mid-2011.

He has won the one-day domestic player of the series for the past two seasons, but still finds himself on the outer of the national team, with just over three months to go to the World Cup.

White wasn’t selected in the national squad for the five-match one-day series against South Africa starting in Perth on Friday, but there is still a further tri-series against England and India to be played before the World Cup.

White, 31, who averages a respectable 35 from his 87 ODIs, feels he has what it takes to perform a role at the World Cup.

“If I was given the opportunity, I think I could,” White said.

“The one-day team is a really hard team to get into. There’s some really good players in there.

“But I’m no different to any other bloke who is playing Matador Cup (domestic one-day competition) or now Sheffield Shield and trying to be in form when the (World Cup) squad is picked and hopefully get a chance.”

Australian T20 captain Aaron Finch, an ODI squad member for the South African series, believes White has the credentials in that format if given the chance.

“I think his record for Australia speaks for itself. It’s been pretty outstanding for a long time,” Finch said.

“At the same time, the side at the moment, there’s some quality players in that team.

“When you look at that middle order and you’ve got (George) Bailey, (Michael) Clarke, (Glenn) Maxwell, (Steve) Smith, Mitch Marsh and a keeper, all to fit into three or four spots. it is tough.

“But he (White) has been in great touch in all forms of cricket for about two and a half years now, so there’s no reason why he wouldn’t be the next guy picked if something was to happen.

“I’m sure if he did come in and fill a spot there that, he would do an amazing job.”

White opened in the first T20 game against South Africa, but was switched to the middle order for the last two, after Finch admitted not enough thought went into the batting order initially.

“I think it just made our batting have a little bit more depth in it and experience,” Finch said.

“It’s not all about power. We saw that it takes a cool head under pressure to get the job done and I think that, unfortunately for Cam, that’s paid off and he might not be back at the top of the order again.”

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