CAMERON White is a natural leader who is well equipped to captain Australia, according to his Victorian coach Greg Shipperd.

A survey of Herald Sun readers ranked White as the top man to succeed Ricky Ponting - ahead of present vice-captain and Twenty20 skipper Michael Clarke.

"It just shows he's growing traction in the market place and in truth White is a pretty reasonable option," Shipperd said.

"I rate him very highly as a captain. From a maturity point of view, he's as good a bet as the next bloke and there's no questioning his tactical acumen. He's an outstanding leader."

White was appointed Victorian captain at 20 - the youngest in the state's history - and he has led the Bushrangers to five consecutive national Twenty20 finals (for four wins) and to four of the past five Sheffield Shield finals, winning the past two.

"Cameron is his own man, strong and very sure. That's why he's an outstanding captain."

The Bushrangers will also regain bowlers Clint McKay and John Hastings from national duty, while the Blues can load up with stars such as Clarke, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Steven Smith, 20-year-old quick Mitchell Starc and Doug Bollinger, if fit.

The alternative is to elevate Robert Quiney from No.7 on the back of his return to form in the last Shield match against Tasmania when he posted scores of 62 not out and 102.

"We've got some tough selecting to do, no doubt about that," Shipperd said.