JIMMY WHITE’s teenage grandson has signed his first professional cricket contract.
All-rounder Ralphie Albert has been rewarded by Surrey County Cricket Club with a new deal as he steps up from the club’s academy.
Ralphie Albert has signed his first professional contract with SurreyShutterstock Editorial
GettyHe is the grandson of snooker legend Jimmy White[/caption]
GettyAlbert has played for England at youth level[/caption]
The 17-year-old made his pro debut in this summer’s Metro Bank One Day Cup and also played in Surrey’s final Rothesay County Championship match of the season.
He hit 96 against Nottinghamshire Outlaws on his maiden first-class innings.
And then he battled to a crucial 62 in the second innings of Surrey’s Championship victory over Hampshire.
Albert has been part of the Surrey Talent Pathway since the under-nines and played in every age group along the way, joining the Academy in 2024.
Internationally, he has been a regular in the England under-19s set-up over the past twelve months since being given his first cap by cricket legend Graeme Swann.
Albert has featured in ten ODIs and two Youth Test matches.
The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder impressed with 6/53 in the second Test match against India at Chelmsford.
Next month he will head to St Vincent with the Young Lions for an ODI series with the West Indies.
Albert said: “I’m thrilled to sign my first professional contract with the club. Pulling on the Surrey shirt this summer was a proud day for my family and me.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
“Being around the first team set-up was a brilliant experience and I’m excited to be around the group more often.”
White, 63, is a legend in snooker, winning ten ranking tournaments and famously losing in SIX World Championship final at the Crucible in Sheffield.
Known as the Whirlwind, he was one of the most exciting players during his heyday, throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and still competes on the World Snooker Tour.
Albert told the BBC: “Mum used to say ‘one day you’ll understand how famous he is.’
“People would go up to him in the street and I couldn’t understand what was happening because I just knew him as my grandad.
“It still happens today. We were in the train station going to The Oval to watch the cricket, and maybe three or four people came up to him.
“I was laughing because I don’t understand how big he is.
“I wouldn’t say there’s a need to prove myself. It’s a great thing that he’s my grandad, an elite sportsman.
“I don’t see what is being said. There are articles talking about us but I’m not deep into the comparison or making a name for myself. I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and see what happens.”
Albert plays his club cricket for Banstead in the Surrey Cricket Championship and will balance cricket around his final year at Epsom College.
Chris Taylor, the Head of Talent Pathway at Surrey Cricket, said: “We’re delighted that Ralphie has signed a professional contract at Surrey.
“He’s shown a good temperament as a genuine all-rounder.
“I have high hopes for Ralphie and am really excited to see his journey unfold at Surrey.”
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
