Shipperd backs White for India tour

Greg Shipperd, Victoria's coach, has spoken up for Cameron White, who he believes embodies the next generation of Australian players. He said that Australia would do well to include White in the India-bound squad, for if he played well there, it would only mean good things for the team.

White is viewed as an un-Australian legspinner, as he does not turn the ball significantly, instead relying on changes of pace and a wrong `un, which has sparked comparisions with Anil Kumble. But his wicket-taking ability, along with his batting talent and cool thinking, was instrumental in his promotion to captaincy of the Victorian side at the age of 20. He was applauded for his handling of more experienced teammates, and it was this maturity that Shipperd pointed to.

"It think it's a great opportunity for them," said Shipperd, referring to Australia. "They need to look to the next generation for a spinner to go after Warney, and Cameron is clearly the brightest light, not only for his bowling but because his other skills are so good. The time is right, while Warney is still around and he can learn from him and tour in that environment."

While Warne and White play for Victoria, they have never played in a Test together. The closest they came to it was during the Zimbabwe tour, when White was called up to replace Stuart MacGill, who withdrew from the tour. The tour was eventually cancelled.

MacGill has since been told that his selection for the Indian tour was unlikely, and there has been speculation that the selectors might pick a spinner in a different mould. According to Shipperd, White fits that mould perfectly because of his resemblance to Kumble, who has been prolific on Indian wickets.

"Those who think they need someone who turns the ball into the right-hander rather than a legspinner only need to look at how he moves the ball through the air, like Kumble does, and Kumble's record in India speaks for itself," said Shipperd. "We've got someone like him and if he gets it right over there then there could be 10 years in front of him."

Incidentally, White played against the Indians during their tour of Australia, but success eluded him. He conceded 60 runs in 13 wicketless overs and scored only 20 in the match.