Former Test batsman Cameron White joins Strikers as squad cover for skipper Travis Head

Former Test batsman Cameron White has been thrown a career lifeline after being dumped by Victoria and the Renegades, and will join the Strikers as squad cover for skipper Travis Head.

Cameron White of the Renegades. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

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Veteran batsman Cameron White has been thrown a career lifeline as Adelaide Strikers pick up the pieces of disappointing BBL title defence.

White, 35, wasn’t offered 2019-20 contracts by champion units Melbourne Renegades and Victoria.

White averages 31 over 234 Twenty20 games but there will be some surprise at White’s Strikers arrival after averaging 18.5 in 11 matches last season.

Adelaide will hope White can fare better than fellow Victorian recruit Matt Short who averaged 12 last season.

White will compete with Jake Lehmann and emerging star Harry Nielsen for middle-order batting slots. Jono Wells and Nielsen — who keeps when Alex Carey in on national duty — were the only Strikers to average 40 over above last season.

The international schedule released last week was marked by the absence of any 50-over series during summer for the first time in 40 years. Australia’s ODI side will tour India in mid January.

The prospect of losing top-order guns Travis Head and Alex Carey for the back half of the BBL campaign on international one-day duty saw the Strikers re-evaluate recruiting. Adelaide finished second bottom last season after winning an inaugural championship in 2017-18.

Cameron White in action during the BBL semi-final against Sydney Sixers at Marvel Stadium. Picture: Michael Klein

“Cameron adds a considerable amount to our side not only with his ability, but also his understanding of the game and he knows what it takes to be in a successful team,” said SA high performance manager Tim Nielsen.

White, who led Australia in six T20 internationals, will provide leadership back-up when Head is unavailable.

“In the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket, a cool head such as Cameron’s will help lead our side immensely, especially in the absence of Travis Head when he is on international duty.

“To have such a distinguished player of our game will only boost our side and our younger players.”

Having missed out on England’s Eoin Morgan, the Strikers are still searching for an overseas import to flank Rashid Khan and replace South African Colin Ingram.