White selected because he fulfilled the need for another leg-spinner
6 Oct 2008, 1255 Hrs

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Sydney, Oct 6 Cameron White has been called in to join the Aussie team in India because the touring side needed another leg-spinner. This was the reason for White's selection after Bryce McGain injured his shoulder, and Beau Casson was once again left at home despite his brilliant bowling figures of 29 wickets in the Pura Cup for the Blues last season.

With more than 5000 first-class runs and 13 centuries, White has long been regarded more as a batting all-rounder.

"The decision to replace Bryce with Cameron White will obviously be disappointing for Beau Casson who debuted on the West Indies tour,'' the Daily Telegraph quoted Australian selection chairman Andrew Hilditch as saying.

He added: "The initial selection for the Indian tour was based on a desire to have a right-arm finger spinner and a right-arm leg-spinner which we thought was the best combination for Indian conditions. The basis for that decision was explained to Beau. But with Bryce's injury we thought Cameron is leg-spinner and his powerful batting and recent strong performances in Indian conditions rendered him the right choice for this tour."

White got the chance to make his debut for Australia in the wake of the dearth of quality spinners at home. (ANI)