10 Interesting facts about Cameron White - An explosive stroke-maker

Cameron White was shockingly named as the replacement for Chris Lynn who injured his calf. All-rounder White will play the five-match ODI series against the Englishmen, starting this Sunday. The right-handed batsman is all set to make a comeback after almost three years. Following a fabulous display of batting in the Big Bash League, the veteran batsman was picked over the star-allrounder, Glenn Maxwell. White scored 285 runs at an impeccable average of 142.5 in the BBL 2017-18.

White was once considered as Australia’s next big thing. He has played quite a few roles for the Aussies, the roles of a nagging leg-spinner, an aggressive middle-order batsman, and an impressive skipper. He made his debut in 2005 and had played 88 ODIs and 47 T20s for Australia. Here are some interesting facts about the mighty batsman, Cameron White.

1. Birth and Career

Cameron White was born in the year of 1983 on August 18 in Bairnsdale, Australia. Cameron Leon White has always been very passionate about cricket and started playing the sport at a professional level at a tender age. He is a right-handed middle order batsman and left-break googly bowler.

2. First class Debut at an early age of 17

White started playing professional cricket very early, the all-rounder started his domestic career for Victoria in March 2001 at the age of 17. He played against New South Whales and scored 11 runs batting at number nine. He picked 4 wickets as a third change bowler in the same match.

3. U-19 World Cup-winning captain

He led the Australian junior team to victory in the 2002 U19 World Cup. Cameron White was praised for his brilliant leadership skills. He was also the leading run-scorer with 423 runs at an average of 70.3. White and Co. proved Australia’s dominance in World Cricket by winning the fourth U19 World Cup, they were the first team to win the title twice.

4. Youngest Captain for Victoria

Following a successful stint as the Australian Junior team skipper, he created history by becoming the youngest captain for Victoria at the age of 20 during the 2003-04 season. He was appreciated for his cool head and abilities to handle the team well, despite a very young age.

5. International debut against World XI

Despite being dropped after an inconsistent performance in 2005, White proved his mettle by playing for Somerset. He amassed a huge 1190 runs in one season and came back to the limelight. Impressed by the young lad, the Aussies selectors picked him for the Superseries, ODIs against World XI.

6. Started his career as a bowling all-rounder

He started off his career as a bowler who could bat a bit, but over the years White emerged as a hard hitter who rarely bowled. He was a tall and robust leggie who relied on pace variations for picking wickets. He was even asked to start off the spell with a quickie on the other end on many occasions.

7. Net worth of 1.5 million Australian dollars

Despite being away from the International circuit for quite a while, Cameron is still amongst the richest Aussie cricketers. Being part of many clubs around the globe, the Aussie earned quite well. His estimated net worth was around 1.5 million Australian dollars. He was also ranked as the 8th richest Australian cricketer in 2014 by Bussiness Review Weekly.

8. Nicknamed as Bear

The aggressive batsman was often called as a bear, mainly because of his personality. White was a tall and hefty, weighing around 90 Kgs. He also had Whitey and Bundy as other nicknames.

9. Comeback after almost 3 years

Cameron White is all set to make a comeback after almost 3 years. He last played an ODI in 2015 January against India. Following an amazing season for Melbourne Stars, White was recalled to play the ODI series against England replacing injured Lynn. However, White’s selection came off as a huge surprise to himself as he thought his international career was over.

10. Shane Warne’s prediction

White who started his career as a leg-spinner impressed everyone with his bowling in his early days. With Hogg retiring from international cricket, White got a chance in the ODI squad. He was once touted as the number one leg-spinner of Australia. Back in 2002, Shane Warne predicted: “I think he’s a [future] Australian player provided he sticks to the way he plays and doesn’t try to be someone different.” White even picked Sachin Tendulkar as his first Test wicket but failed to continue his bowling form. Despite losing his bowling form, White didn’t let it affect his batting.