White-hot Bushranger plays down Test talk

Victorian Cameron White may be the hottest batsman in Australian domestic cricket right now, but he's had no discussion with national selectors about any potential role he has to play in the shake-up of Australia's Test side.

White's brilliant start to the domestic season - he's posted three hundreds and four half-centuries across both first-class and one-day cricket - has sparked calls from two former state coaches for the 33-year-old to win a recall to the national side.

Former Bushrangers coach Greg Shipperd and ex South Australia coach and Victoria wicketkeeper Darren Berry have both publically pushed White's case, who last played a Test match more than eight years ago.

While Australia's world number one one-day team is reasonably settled, their Test side to take on South Africa today will feature three debutants after the biggest shake-up in decades.

But White says his main focus as the Adelaide Test gets underway today will be on state teammate Peter Handscomb, who will make his Test debut against the Proteas.

"Any time when there's a side picked and you think there's half a chance you're a little bit disappointed (to miss out)," White said.

"But I think more importantly today, it's great to see Wadey (Matthew Wade) and Peter Handscomb in, especially for Pete. So I think the focus should be there.

"I've had no correspondence with the selectors. It's not rocket science though. I've been around for long enough to know that's it's all about scoring runs and performing well."

White has notched scores of 64, 6, 104no and 75no in three Shield matches so far this season, having been the leading run-scorer in the Matador One-Day Cup in October.

It's a remarkable turnaround in fortunes after he languished in Victoria's Second XI for most of last Shield season, before returning in fine style late in their title-winning campaign.

The right-hander's average from eight matches since his recall earlier this year is 58.70, with two hundreds, an unbeaten 97 and three other half-centuries.

And in the absence of regular captain Matthew Wade on Test duty, White will skipper the Bushrangers for their clash against South Australia at the MCG starting on Saturday.

"I've felt in good form for the last few years," he said.

"Last year, I don't think I was out of the side because I wasn't performing.

"It's hard to fit 11 players into this team because we've got a strong squad, and I understand that. People have been in similar situation this year.

"But it's nice to be playing well and scoring runs."

South Australia have been boosted by the inclusions of swing bowler Chadd Sayers, who was overlooked for a Test debut in Adelaide, while Hobart Test debutants Joe Mennie and Callum Ferguson have also been named.

While the Redbacks welcome back some big names, the Bushrangers have been shorn of both Wade and Handscomb with ODI opener Aaron Finch and young gloveman Sam Harper coming in to the side.

They also welcome back paceman John Hastings for his first match since suffering a finger injury.

Victoria: Cameron White (c), Scott Boland, Dan Christian, Travis Dean, Aaron Finch, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, John Hastings, Jon Holland, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Chris Tremain (12th man to be named)

South Australia: Travis Head (c), Nick Benton, Alex Carey, Tom Cooper, Callum Ferguson, Jake Lehmann, Joe Mennie, Kane Richardson, Chadd Sayers, Kelvin Smith, Jake Weatherald, Adam Zampa (12th man to be named)

International cricket is more affordable than ever this summer, with adult tickets from $30, kids from $10 and family packages from $65 across every day of international cricket. Price for purchase at match. Transaction fee from $6.95 applies to online and other purchases. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.