'It's natural talent that I've had for a while'

Andrew Preston  in London

All-rounder Craig White has strongly criticised the England management teams that he's been involved with in the past.

"There's just no comparison now to the last time I've played for England," he says. "There's a real spirit among the team, and it's more relaxed. Duncan Fletcher is a great man-manager, he's a quiet guy and doesn't say a lot but when he does say something you listen.

"Nasser Hussain's been really great as well, and I think they've really gelled together as a partnership.

"They've managed to make people much more relaxed and know that you're not playing for your spot any more. You know, in this squad, that if you don't perform one day you've got a chance to do it the next day. It has to help your confidence and help the mood in the camp if you're not looking behind your back all the time."

This has been quite a year for the quiet, self-effacing Yorkshire player. The low was surely when he mysteriously blacked out during a shopping trip and was found in a gutter in Scarborough, in Yorkshire, with blood dripping from his chin. He missed five weeks of cricket early in the season.

There's no doubt about the high though - - bowling Brian Lara for a golden duck in the fifth Test at the Oval, as part of a Test-best return of 5 for 32.

"It really has been an amazing year for me. Right at the start of the year I wasn't even in the frame, I was in New Zealand playing cricket out there. Then I got the call-up to go to Zimbabwe and South Africa and now I'm back in the England squad and doing well.

"I haven't had any repercussions after that incident in Scarborough. I've forgotten about that now and I'm just looking forward to playing more cricket."

Craig White surprised many people in the game when he proved to be the fastest bowler in the England/West Indies series this summer despite coming off a short run-up. There is hope that he may prove to be a secret weapon on England's winter tour to Kenya, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

"I've been bowling fast since 1994, so it wasn't a surprise to me. It's just that people have started to realise now with the use of the speed gun.

"I think it's my whippy action that does it, it's a short, explosive action. I think it's natural talent that I've had for a while.'

White freely admitted that the fact that the present West Indies team was largely made up of left-handers had helped him during the summer.

"Obviously I like bowling to left-handers, as I can swing the ball late. But I can get right-handers out as well."

Craig White may have been born in Yorkshire, but he was brought up in Australia, and he still has an Aussie accent when he speaks. So, is he looking forward to meeting the Australians in Kenya and again in the Ashes series next summer in England?

"I'll always get stick from them. I don't mind that But it's been ten years now that I've been over here - if they haven't got any new material then I think that's pretty sad."

Mail Cricket Editor