Cameron White announces retirement from professional cricket

Just 3 days after turning 37, former Australia captain Cameron White on Friday (August 21) announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket. White last featured in the 2019-20 Big Bash League for the Adelaide Strikers.

A middle-order batsman who could bowl leg break, White represented Australia in 91 Tests and four ODIs. The veteran cricketer led Australia on seven occasions in the shorter format.

Making his first-class debut for Victoria in 2000-01, he went to become a domestic giant having played 177 matches and scored 10,537 runs. One of the most prolific run-scorers in the country, he was part of as many as 10 domestic title wins across formats – six Sheffield Shields, a domestic one-day trophy, two victories in the old state-based T20 league and a BBL trophy.

“I’ve definitely finished up playing, that’s for sure,” he told cricket.com.au.

“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.

“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.”

A career in coaching?

Whilst he may have drawn the curtains on a fulfilling 20-year career, White said he will continue to play Premier Cricket as skipper of the Melbourne Cricket Club. He is also keen to try his hands at coaching and is hopeful of finding a suitable role with a BBL team.

With the city of Melbourne under strict lockdown, White is currently coaching Victoria’s Under-19 hopefuls via video conferencing.

“I’m just keen to get involved in it (coaching) and give it a go,” he said.

“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.

“Over my playing years, a lot of those as captain, I played that role of a coach a bit as well so hopefully I can enjoy it and be half decent at it.”