Australia’s Tour Of Sri Lanka: Cameron White ‘Kicked In The Gut’

First it was Simon Katich who lost his contract – and hence, his Test place, in all likelihood – and now it was the turn of Cameron White to be given the boot from the one-day international squad. White will still the T20I skipper but with virtually no runs to show for the last six months of fifty-over cricket, this one did not come out as a surprise as big as the Katich culling.

When White had come into the side, his biggest strength was his ability to give the ball a fair tonk. Known for his hard-hitting abilities, he had the record for one of the quickest T20 centuries and for long, there was much hope from him to replicate these abilities in 50-over cricket as well.

Unfortunately for White, it has been the consistency that seems to be the problem. Add that to the loss of form in recent times and the sack was only a matter of formality.

White averages 35 in ODIs, which is above par for a middle-order batsman. But for a team looking to rebuild and bounce back from what can best be described as a terrible set of four years between the 2007 and the 2011 edition of the World Cup, 12 innings of no half-century meant that the selectors were left with no option.

A disappointed White said, “Obviously disappointing but the situation's been known and there's not much you can do about it, other than go back, get better and hope to get another opportunity at some stage." And he also added that it felt like being kicked in the gut.

The good news for White is that he is only 27 and does understand that it is a matter of time before he gets back to first class cricket, gets the runs and break down the selection doors.

Australia will tour Sri Lanka in August for five ODIs, two T20Is and three Test matches in a tour that begins from August 6.