YORKSHIRE all-rounder Craig White is determined to get fully fit after his recent shoulder operation - even if it means him missing the first few weeks of the season.

Scarborough-based White said that he has set his sights on winning back his Test place for England's tour of Australia next winter, but in order to do so he needs to make a complete recovery.

"I am now lifting some weights in order to strengthen my shoulder muscles before I bowl again in the nets," said White.

"Hopefully, I will be ready for the new season but I will not be taking any risks and if I need a longer build-up I will have to accept the situation.

"David Graveney and Mike Gatting were involved in the England 'A' tour to Australia last winter when I had a pretty successful time and if I can reach that sort of form again I feel I stand a good chance of getting back in the Test team."

White did so well on the 'A' tour that he joined up with England in Zimbabwe and New Zealand as a replacement for Ronnie Irani and he played in one Test match in each country.

It was around that time that he was troubled by a tendon injury in his right shoulder which made bowling difficult and it failed to respond to three injections last summer.

With Darren Gough's exact recovery time from his knee operation still not certain, Yorkshire will not want to be without White at the start of the season, particularly as their most experienced paceman, Peter Hartley, is no longer with them.

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