Cameron White says Adelaide has the depth to go deep into BBL 2019-20 finals
How former Australian all-rounder Cam White is ready to be Adelaide Strikers man for all occasions this BBL season.
Big Bash
Don't miss out on the headlines from Big Bash. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Salt ready to shake it up for Strikers
- Curators suffering mental pressure like players: Damian Hough
- Marnus new Mr Cricket
Cameron White has welcomed the cricket return of Melbourne Stars skipper Glenn Maxwell while the veteran will play a key leadership role of his own for Adelaide this BBL summer.
Maxwell was cleared to end a six-week mental health related break and lead the Stars in next Friday night’s season opener against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba.
“It is great to see Glenn and Nic Maddinson back for Victoria and Glenn being back in the mix captaining the Stars. No doubt they are looking forward to having him,” said White, Sheffield Shield’s youngest skipper aged 20 when appointed to steer Victoria in 2003-04.
Watch every KFC Big Bash League match LIVE or On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14-day free trial>
“It is definitely a touchy subject. I am no expert in that area. No doubt they are seeking the people they need to.”
Four-Test all-rounder White noted Victoria’s system is dealing with a cluster of mental health cases with Maddinson, Will Pucovski and Maxwell taking leave this season.
“It is a bit of surprise but I don’t know if there is anything to read into it. It is probably the pressures of cricket and mental health is an issue in society,” said White who featured in six Victorian Sheffield Shield titles, three as skipper.
Former Australian all-rounder White, 36, was strategically targeted by Jason Gillespie’s Strikers with skipper Travis Head and deputy Alex Carey rotating through international commitments this season.
White will fill a part-time coaching position alongside Joe Dawes and Michael Di Venuto while providing essential on-field leadership. All-time leading BBL wicket-taker Ben Laughlin was released from his Strikers deal for family reasons while Head is on Test duty leaving a leadership void.
“In terms of playing versus coaching I am not sure how it will work out. Alex Carey and Travis Head are young captains and I have been lucky enough to captain a lot throughout my career so there are some areas where I can help out,” said White, who has fronted in 234 T20 games and 47 for Australia
White’s long-time Victorian teammate Peter Siddle, Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, Billy Stanlake, Michael Neser and Wes Agar represent a potent attack with title-winning pedigree.
Dodging towering Stanlake’s 150km/h rockets and Rashid’s bag of tricks is a bonus for joining the Strikers says White.
“He seemed to get me out every time he bowled to me so it is great to have Rashid. Billy bowled me one of the best beamers I have faced last year so it is great I don’t have to deal with either of those two. They are keys for the Strikers.”
Adelaide is expected to lose Carey, Neser and Stanlake to Australian one-day duty in India during January but will regain captain Head.
“The Strikers have had a strong bowling line-up,” said White.
“There is a one-day tour to India through the campaign which we could lose a couple of players to. There is some bowling depth there and no reason we can’t go deep into the tournament.”
‘Bear’ signed off from Victoria’s set-up basking in a hat-trick of Shield, one-day and BBL titles with the Bushrangers and Renegades but isn’t looking in the rear mirror.
“It was a nice way to finish with the Renegades, sweet victory over the Stars but we will focus on this campaign and hopefully get some more wins,” said White who has maintained touch fronting for Melbourne Cricket Club.
Meanwhile, former Test and speedster Shaun Tait has joined Michael Klinger’s Renegades as bowling coach.