Craig floats like an all-rounder, spins like a Big V
CRAIG Whitehand is desperate to prove a point.
Left out of the Victorian side for last year’s National Cricket Inclusion Championships, the veteran all-rounder wants to win back his spot and show he’s worthy.
Whitehand, who represents Yarraville in the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association and Meredith in the GCA, will line-up for the Victorian intellectual disability team in the championships, which start on Monday.
“I can’t wait,” said Whitehand, who is affectionately known as “Dougie”.
“I’m really hoping to help a lot of cricketers, teaching them what I know. With my experience, I can help a lot of players.
“It’s to be able to represent your state. A lot of people want to be where I am.”
Whitehand, 45, was overlooked for the Victorian side that went down to eventual premiers South Australia in last year’s tournament.
He said his omission had inspired him to prove the doubters wrong.
“I just want to prove a point, show that I’m still around and capable,” he said.
“I’m just happy to be playing and giving something to this tournament.”
A right-handed batsman and leg-spinner, Whitehand believes he will be used in a variety of roles this week.
“I’ll be in the team as a floater,” said Whitehand, who represented Victoria four times in outdoor cricket and 21 times in indoor cricket, as well as earning five shirts for Australia.
“I’ll be up and down the order, but I’m not 100 per cent sure where I’ll be batting. I’ll bowl a few overs, but I won’t be the No. 1 spinner like I was.
“I fly under the radar now.”