The Victorian cricketing fraternity had earmarked Thursday as the day Bryce McGain made his Test debut. Instead it was celebrating its captain, Cameron White, becoming Australia's 402nd Test player.
White was given a rousing ovation when news filtered through to the 400-strong crowd at the launch of Victoria's 2008-09 campaign on Thursday that the Bushrangers captain would be making his Test debut.
Bushrangers coach Greg Shipperd had no doubt White, who started his career as a bowling all-rounder, would acquit himself well in Test cricket.
White burst into the Test frame last month on Australia A's tour of India, hitting 144 runs at an average of 48 and taking eight wickets at 21.25 apiece in five matches, albeit one-dayers.
"He's in terrific form. I think his bowling's going to do well enough to survive and prosper and as we all know he's an outstanding fielder so he really brings a lot to the table," Shipperd said. "His time is now."
David Hussey, who will deputise as Bushrangers captain in White's absence, said the entire squad was excited for their leader.
"I remember coming back from Hobart in a one-day match and Brad was batting at the WACA and we were all tuned into ABC Radio hoping he'd get his hundred," he said.
"But unfortunately the plane landed just as he was about to get his hundred. And I know everybody shares the same excitement for Cam making his Test debut."
Brad Hodge, until Thursday Victoria's most recent Test cricketer, said White's debut would serve as an inspiration for the rest of the squad.
"We'll be striving towards (that) and he'll play fine and he'll do really well," he said.
McGain, the man White replaced, will spend the next six weeks recovering from his armpit injury.