Warne helps England with leg-spinning discovery

It would be a rich irony if Shane Warne, for so long the tormentor of England's batsmen, were to provide England with the firepower to win back the Ashes. For Warne thinks he may have unearthed a new leg-spin bowler, and the good news is: he's English.

Giles White has, until now, been used as a specialist batsman. Although he was regarded as an all-rounder at Somerset, where he spent his formative years, at Hampshire, where his career has flourished, he has barely bowled.

Warne's keen eye and expert tutelage, however, may have changed all that. "He saw me bowl in the nets and said he reckoned he could do something with me," said the 28-year-old White, who became firm friends with Warne during the Australian's stay in Southampton. "I'm not sure what he liked about my bowling but if Shane Warne says you can bowl, you treat it seriously."

Warne recommended to county captain, Robin Smith, that White be given a bowl during a county game at Portsmouth, and White promptly took 2-2, including the wicket of Rahul Dravid.

Now White has flown to Australia to benefit from more of Warne's vast skill and experience. The six-week visit has also involved coaching sessions with Warne's guru Terry Jenner, and a stay at Warne's home in Melbourne.

"He mucked around with a few leg-spinners and was a bit of a part-timer," said Warne. "But we've worked on him for the summer in England. He's starting to come on really well and he could play Test cricket for England within the next couple of years. Maybe even next year against the Aussies in the Ashes." "We'll just keep working on him and maybe he'll come good, he could play as an all-rounder, maybe bat five or six and bowl."

White explained the need to eradicate poor balls, but believes that he has some of the qualities of a Test spinner already: "I have variation but I need more control and if I can get that and achieve some consistency then it could be interesting."

"It will give me more options. I am always wanting to improve my game and if I can make a contribution as both a bowler and batsman, then I will be a more valuable player. Also, I get bored when I am fielding so this will be a good antidote.

"It may open new doors. I would love to play for England and in a few years' time.....well, you just never know."