Cameron White pulls the curtains down on 20-year-long career

Cameron White, the veteran Australian cricketer, has called it a day in his career, which spanned 20 years. The middle-order batsman, who turned 37 on Wednesday, didn’t have second thoughts of bidding goodbye. White felt that his career in the Big Bash League (BBL) was also over after he could manage only 36 runs from six matches at a mere average of 12 last season.

The Victorian made his debut for Australia back in 2008 and last played for them in the home ODIs against England. Even as his Test career halted in 2008 itself, he played his last T20I back in 2014. White is now planning to explore his career in the field of coaching.

“I’ve definitely finished up playing, that’s for sure. I had a one-year playing contract with the Strikers. I only played a handful of games with them last year and in those games I would have needed to play really well to get another deal,” White was quoted as saying in cricket.com.au.

“To be totally honest, I’m pretty content. I think my time is definitely up, I’ve had enough from a playing point of view and I’m ready to focus on coaching,” he stated.

Cameron White had impressed Shane Warne

When White was a 17-year-old, he picked up a four-wicket haul on his first-class debut. Back then, Shane Warne, his Victoria teammate, was delighted with him. “He’s got a big future. He’s a pretty switched-on kid, he knows exactly what he’s doing, he knows how to bowl,” Warne had mentioned.

In international cricket, White was known more for his explosive hitting. He only managed 18 wickets at the highest level. In four Tests, 91 ODIs and 47 T20Is, he notched 146, 2072 and 984 runs respectively with two centuries and 16 half-centuries.

While Melbourne is in the grip of the COVID-19 lockdown rules, White is busy mentoring Victoria’s U19 prospects via zoom. Apart from playing, White also played a mentoring role in the Strikers’ team.

“I’m just keen to get involved in it (coaching) and give it a go. I don’t know if I’ll be any good at it. I’ve enjoyed the bits and pieces I’ve done so far. Part of my role with the Strikers last year involved coaching,” he added.