Confirmation that the new ball would be his to share with Ben Sanderson for the foreseeable future came when he claimed his first five-wicket haul in July. On an overcast day at Wantage Road, an extraordinary display of swing bowling saw him dismiss five of Lancashire’s top six at a cost of 16 runs from 13 overs. Those career-best figures would be beaten before the season’s conclusion, taking 6/38 against Essex in the final game of the campaign with a match return of 9/98.
As a bowler plucked from obscurity by Northamptonshire, observed playing grade cricket in Australia having played minor counties cricket in England, White is in good company. Ben Sanderson, Richard Gleeson and Azharullah among those who have been offered the chance to resurrect or begin a professional career late on at Wantage Road in recent years. The long curly locks and accompanying headband probably make a comparison with Jack Brooks the most accurate, just with the volume turned down a dial or two.
Nonetheless, the highlight of the Cumbrian’s summer undoubtedly came when pushed up the order from his traditional number 11 position to quicken the pace of what would ultimately be a successful run chase against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham. He began with a reserve sweep for four. That he was dismissed four balls later having only added a further run to Northamptonshire’s total is a footnote.
His efforts in 2022, more with ball than bat, earned him a new two-year deal that will keep him in joint possession of the new ball at Wantage Road until at least 2024.