ROCKINGHAM Mandurah District Cricket Club representative Sam Whiteman made his Western Warriors debut on Sunday, scoring 31.
Whiteman had previously represented Australia in the Under 19s and Western Australia in the Under 17s and Under 23s and spent time at the Australian Institute of Sport before he was signed as a rookie Warrior for the 2012/13 season.
The 20-year-old wicketkeeper had impressed in local matches and faces a tough fight to retain his place as keeper with talented Tasmanian Tim Triffitt and fellow rookie Cameron Bancroft all capable with the gloves.
In his debut match, the Warriors sent NSW in to bat before they finished the innings 5-281 from 50 overs.
The fifth-wicket century partnership between Steven Smith and Moises Henriques came off just 79 balls as New South Wales made the most of the ideal conditions.
Whiteman was forced out to bat earlier than expected after the top order fell cheaply, and despite offering some resistance, was caught playing across the line to paceman Trent Copeland.
The Warriors’ innings never gained momentum from there and were all out for 254 from 49.4 overs.
Whiteman will sit out the Sheffield Shield match against NSW as Triffitt steps into the role, but is expected to get another chance behind the stumps.
