I never thought that John Whitehouse was quite good enough to play for England, though worse players have done so.

JW had a spectacular debut, scoring a big hundred against one of the Universities. I recall it being said that the umpire that day (Bill Alley?) was moved to remind him that he was allowed to score in singles and not just boundaries.
Good county player who did a lot for Warwickshire but, I agree, not really England class.

Looking it up the India tour was 76/77 so that was when he was expected to be selected.

Although it looks like he had an even better season with the bat in 77 with six centuries and an average of 42.

I always use him as an example of a classic player who was nearly lost because he was outside Birmingham.

Many players with less ability from Surrey, Middlesex and Essex had many chances with England.