The Yorkshire all-rounder is in Adelaide playing grade cricket and will cover for Flintoff, who is recovering from a hernia operation.

He told BBC Radio Five Live he was surprised to have been called up in the first week.

But he was pleased he had proved his return to fitness with some encouraging displays since his arrival in Adelaide.

"I came over from England two and a half weeks ago to work on my fitness and play for Adelaide CC," said White.

"I got 118 at the weekend and also got through nine overs which is encouraging.

"My side feels good and I've been bowling at good pace in the nets at the Academy in Adelaide without any reaction."

White, 32, will fly to Perth on Friday to join up with the squad and may feature in England's three-day match against Western Australia at the Waca starting on Monday.

The first Test against Australia is in Brisbane, starting 7 November.

White will stay with the tourists until Flintoff regains full fitness.

Ironically, he probably lost his chance of being in the original squad because of injuries that he suffered in the summer.

White was recalled for the second Test against India at Trent Bridge and scored 94 before being ruled out of the rest of the series and the ICC Trophy in Colombo with a side injury.

"Craig performed well against India this summer and is now fully recovered from the injury," revealed coach Duncan Fletcher.

"He will provide us with cover in the all-rounder position until Andrew is able to return to competitive cricket."

Flintoff will fly to Adelaide to link up with the Academy medical staff to ensure he receives intensive one-to-one help with his rehabilitation in an effort to get him fit for the first Test.