Stoic Sam Whiteman gives perfect illustration of his importance to Northamptonshire

Sam Whiteman on his way to a hundred for Northamptonshire [Getty Images]

SAM DALLING AT TAUNTON: Whiteman is a high-calibre overseas signing; not one of a stellar reputation, but a Sheffield Shield winning skipper with Western Australia. Plus, he will be available for a good chunk of the campaign. There is value in that