INTERNATIONAL RECALL

I never really gave up all hope: White

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

White has a long international career since debuting in 2005 having played four Tests, 88 ODIs and 47 Twenty20 Internationals. © Getty

Cameron White, the recalled veteran batsman, has expressed surprise at his selection into Australia's One-Day International (ODI) team but hopes to make the most of the unexpected reprieve as selectors prepare for next year's World Cup.

The 34-year-old's international career looked over having last played for Australia in 2015 but he will replace the injured Chris Lynn for the five-match ODI series against England starting on January 14. White was controversially selected over dumped allrounder Glenn Maxwell following spectacular form in the Big Bash League, where he has scored 285 runs at an average of 142.5 for the Melbourne Renegades.

White has a long international career since debuting in 2005 having played four Tests, 88 ODIs and 47 Twenty20 Internationals but recently expressed doubt over his international prospects.

In the aftermath of the announcement - in another left-field choice by selectors this summer - White said he was delighted to get another chance to play for his country. "I was very surprised this morning when (Australian chief selector) Trevor Hohns rang me," White said in Melbourne on Thursday (January 11). "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's selection indicates that he is in the melting pot for next year's World Cup with Australian selectors traditionally planning their line-up for ODI cricket's biggest prize about 18 months in advance.

Not thinking too far ahead, White said he hoped to make the most of his unexpected opportunity. "It's just going to be up to me to make the most of it. Hopefully I can," he said. "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."

White bats predominantly as an opener in domestic cricket but seems likely to be slotted into the vacant No.4 position as selectors look to sure up 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," White said. "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."

© Cricbuzz

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