White ahead of Hogg in first ODI

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has backed Victorian captain Cameron White to play in tomorrow’s one-day international against England in Melbourne.

White, who has played five one-day games for Australia, will be an integral part of the Australian’s championship defence said the Australian skipper.

“I think he’s going to play a vital role in our side as another one of those finishing type players, someone who can bat six or seven or bat up the order as well,” he said.

“We saw with his hitting the other night in the Twenty20 game was pretty special. He’s done that right through the year for Victoria.”

“He’ll be able to give us some overs, he’s a very good fieldsman, he’s captain of Victoria as well so he’s got a good understanding and grasp of the game so we’re looking forward to him being a really good player for us heading towards the World Cup.”

Ponting also praised the high calibre of each aspect of White’s game.

“He’s a very good slip fieldsman, very good ring fieldsman, very good outfielder and will be able to give us some very useful handy overs when I decide is the right time for him as well.”

As reported earlier, fast bowler Brett Lee will miss the opening two one-day games due to a chest infection.