White happy to bowl at the death if needed

Craig White is encouraged by his comeback from injury after playing a useful role in England's World Cup lead-up against Border.

White ended with two wickets for 26, both with short balls, and bowled his full ten overs as Border went down to England by seven wickets.

"I thought I would try the odd bouncer because that is when you use your side the most," said the Yorkshire all-rounder. "I gave it a go and it felt fine which was very encouraging.

"The first couple of overs I gradually got into it but after that I felt as good as I have for a long time. I think I was probably at 85 to 90% and I felt it came out well."

White has played in both of England's lead-up matches, after it was initially announced that he was to sit out the first game against Eastern Province.

"We were just going to play it by ear," said White. "Nasser was initially going to bowl me five or six overs but I said I was feeling good so he kept me going. The management have been very supportive, given me as much time as I needed and told me to go out and bowl."

England's coach, Duncan Fletcher, has hinted that White may be used in the death overs when the competition proper gets under way next week.

"I look at it as a challenge, I have bowled at the death before and quite enjoy it," White enthused. "You are either a hero or a villain, and as long as everyone understands that I don't mind doing it.

"You can't do any more really than win both games. We've started with a fresh slate, coming to South Africa after a tough time in Australia. Now it's a new competition we start again. We have won our warm-up games so I think we are going in the right direction."