Jimmy White's grandson signs contract with Surrey: cricket debut.

According to The Sun: Jimmy White's grandson has signed his first professional cricket contract.

All-rounder Ralphie Albert has struck a deal with Surrey Cricket Club, completing his journey from the club's academy.

Professional debut

17-year-old Ralphie Albert made his professional debut this summer in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, as well as playing in Surrey's championship final for the season.

He scored 96 runs in his first innings of a first-class match against Nottinghamshire Outlaws and 62 runs in the second innings of a winning match against Hampshire.

Albert joined Surrey Cricket Club when he was nine years old and played in all age groups, becoming part of the Academy in 2024.

International achievements

On an international level, he has consistently represented the England youth team over the past year and received his first cap from cricket legend Graham Swann.

Albert took part in ten One Day Internationals and two youth tests, among which he stood out with an impressive achievement of 6/53 in the second test against India in Chelmsford.

He will soon head to Saint Vincent with the Young Lions for a series of One Day matches against the West Indies.

Quotes and future plans

Albert shared his feelings:

“I'm excited about signing my first professional contract with the club. Putting on the Surrey shirt this summer was a proud moment for my family and me.

“Being part of the first-team squad has been a fantastic experience, and I look forward to further involvement with this group.”

Jimmy White, who is 63 years old, is a snooker legend, having won ten ranking tournaments and remembered for his six losses in World Championship finals at Crucible in Sheffield.

Albert told the BBC:

“My mom always said: ‘one day you'll understand how famous he is.’

“People approached him on the street, and I couldn't understand what was happening because I just knew him as my granddad.”

Albert at club level

Albert plays for the Banstead club in the Surrey Cricket Championship and intends to combine cricket with studies in his final year at Epsom.

Chris Taylor, head of the Talent Pathway at Surrey Cricket, noted:

“We are delighted that Ralphie has signed a professional contract with Surrey. He has shown great character as a true all-rounder.”

“I have high hopes for Ralphie and am very much looking forward to seeing how his career develops at Surrey.”

This agreement marks a new stage in Ralphie Albert's career, who has tremendous potential in cricket. Given his successes in youth sports, the player is eager not only to reach new heights in club cricket but also to represent his country on the international stage. Jimmy White, a great player in snooker, is backing his grandson, adding a special emotional touch to this story.