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White a Hookes Decision

Friday, September 5 2003

David Hookes made his name as a hard hitting and fast scoring batsman who enjoyed a stellar first class career for South Australia, with some impressive displays in the international arena along the way.

While he retired from the cricket field more than a decade ago, his public profile has risen rapidly since. And the selection of talented 20-year-old Cameron White as Victoria's ING Cup captain is just the latest in an increasingly long line of incidents that have made the Australian cricket world take notice.

Since taking over as the Victorian Bushrangers' head coach following the 2001/02 season, a staggering move considering his renowned hatred for that state as a player, he has been by far the most outspoken and quotable individual in Australian cricket.

Never afraid to state his point of view in the past, Hookes has taken this to a new level in recent times. He faced an ACB Code of Behaviour hearing following comments made about individual players in October of last year, and only one month later was again in hot water after remarking about selection for an Australia A side.

Following claims regarding the need for Steve Waugh to retire for the good of Australian cricket, Hookes managed to focus on his dual roles as television presenter, radio broadcaster and cricket coach for some months. Until the Bangladesh cricket team arrived on Australian shores.

Naturally, Hookes was asked for his opinion on the Australia-Bangladesh series. He immediately stated that Bangladesh did not deserve to be playing Test cricket, while Australia should attempt to defeat them inside one day.

When the recent Shane Warne saga first developed, and the claims of the South African woman first surfaced, it is well known that Hookes was quick to label her a "dopey, hairy-backed sheila."

As a cricket coach, Hookes' strong personality immediately came to the fore with the sacking of veteran swing bowler Damien Fleming and Test player Colin Miller in his first month in the job.

And three more proven players at first class level, including former Australian Under 19 captain Michael Klinger, were given the flick for the upcoming season.

There is no doubt that the naming of last season's Australian Under 19 captain, leg spin bowling all-rounder Cameron White, as Victorian one-day captain, is a bold and exciting move.

It simply smacks of David Hookes, and if it is successful could lead to White captaining the state for the next twelve to fourteen years.

Yet to select a player who last season was on the fringe of both the one-day and first class teams, over the likes of Brad Hodge- who had seemed an obvious choice, makes one wonder exactly what Hodge and others have done to be overlooked by a 20-year-old.

There is no doubt that David Hookes is different, but as he has done in the past, he will stand by his decision and back White to lead the team into the future.

White's potential is not under question, yet the added pressure that will be heaped upon him at a time when most cricketers are finding their feet and trying to fit in with their new surroundings will make his job all the more difficult.

Even if White's captaincy impresses, and from all reports there is every chance that it will, Hookes has placed enormous faith in his playing ability. Last season, White was not selected for all of Victoria’s matches.

In the ING Cup, he was frequently given only four or five overs with the ball each innings. He is clearly a developing player, and surely the preferred role of the captain is to be a dominant player in the line-up.

White is surely not dominant yet. It is highly likely that he will be very soon, but shouldn't he be allowed to reach a certain level before being handed such an important position? Hookes has faith that he is ready now, and hopefully that faith will be rewarded.


Posted by JohnC