Cameron White earns 'Marvellous' support
October 16th 2008 21:43
Cricket commentating icon Richie Benaud has urged Australian fans to keep the faith with the country's band of present leg-spinners struggling to make their mark in the post-Shane Warne era.
Australian sports fans are coming to grips with life without 708-Test wicket great Warne, who retired from international cricket almost two years ago.
Benaud, 78, one of Australia's greatest leg-spin bowlers with 248 wickets in 63 Tests, says it is vital for slow bowlers to be given sufficient time to master their craft.
Cameron White is the latest leg-spinner getting a go at Test level in the current series in India.
Benaud rates the 25-year-old Victorian highly and thinks he will only develop further if afforded continuing Test match experience.
White took 1-88 from 31 overs while making his Test debut in the drawn series-opener in Bangalore after being a late call-up to the Indian tour.
"I think Cameron White's a good cricketer. I'm very keen on him doing well and people expect young cricketers suddenly to be stars overnight," Benaud told Australian Associated Press on Thursday.
"It's important to persevere with all young players. It's no good putting them in for a match or two.
"He's captained Victoria for a few years and he's got lots of experience. He's a good batsman, a brilliant fielder and I'm hoping his bowling will continue to improve."
Benaud warned that the search to unearth the next Warne could be a lengthy one.
"Warne's been the best leg-spinner that I've ever seen," the commentator added.
"There's not an obsession there (to find the next Warne), but everyone would like someone to come up as Warne did virtually from nowhere."
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