West Yorkshire’s rising cricket star and Year 13 Bradford Grammar School student, Alex Wade, has signed a two-year rookie contract with Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC), marking a significant milestone in his young career.
The contract, which runs through to the end of 2026, comes just over a fortnight after Alex’s memorable debut for the England U19 Young Lions in the ODI Tri-Series against Scotland and Ireland.
The 17-year-old from Ilkley, who plays league cricket for Bradford and Bingley, said: “It’s a dream come true! It’s what I’ve been working towards for a long time, and I’m really excited for the future.”
Alex’s standout moment in the Tri-Series came in the final match against Scotland, where he opened the bowling and claimed the key wickets of three top-order batsmen. His performances during the tournament solidified his reputation as a fast bowler with immense potential.
Inspired by international cricket stars such as Jofra Archer and West Indian legend Michael Holding, Alex dreams of representing England at the highest level. He said: “I definitely want to pursue cricket professionally. My goal is to earn a spot in the Yorkshire first team and eventually play for England. Signing this contract is the next big step toward making that dream a reality.”
Alex’s cricket journey began at the age of eight with Olicanian Cricket Club in Ilkley. His rise through the ranks of regional cricket started when he represented Yorkshire at U10 level. In recent years, his development has accelerated, highlighted by his selection for the English Schools Representative side against the MCC at Lord’s in 2023, and his participation in the prestigious Super 4s tournament this year—both platforms that showcase the nation’s most promising young cricketers.
BGS has played a significant role in Alex’s cricketing journey. He has represented the school’s cricket team since Year 6, and developed under mentorship of coach Simon Kellett, a former professional cricketer who played over 150 games for Yorkshire County Cricket Club and was capped in 1992.
Alex, who trains six days each week around his A-Level studies in Chemistry, Economics and Maths, said: “Balancing county cricket and school commitments can be tough, but whenever I get the chance to represent BGS, it’s something I really enjoy. The support from my coach and teammates has been brilliant, and it’s special to share those moments on the field with friends I’ve known for years.”
Dr Simon Hinchliffe, headmaster at BGS, said: “We are incredibly proud of Alex and his achievements. He embodies the values and personal qualities we hold dear at the School – excellence, resilience and teamwork. We look forward to watching his continued success, and we are confident that this is just the beginning of a bright future in cricket.”
“It’s a dream come true!”
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