Meet Alex Horton, the up-and-coming talent set to shine in Welsh cricket. At just 18, Horton made his debut for Glamorgan in 2022, becoming the third youngest player to represent the team.

As a wicket-keeper batsman, his skills have already been recognized at international level, having represented England in the 2022 Under-19s World Cup. With a bright future ahead, Horton is eager to make his mark in the upcoming season for Glamorgan.

In this Q&A, we explore his journey, achievements, and aspirations as he aims to reach new heights in the cricketing world.

Could you tell us a little bit about how you got into cricket?  

I used to watch my dad play for Cefn Fforest Cricket Club. As I grew up, I moved to Newbridge Cricket Club with my dad, and I played all my junior cricket there. That’s where it all started for me.

I played football and rugby alongside cricket throughout my childhood. Playing multiple sports helped me improve my overall athleticism and enhanced my progress in cricket.

Are there any standout memories for you?

A few memories stand out for me. Making my debut for Wales National County (WNC) was a significant milestone. Playing in the Under-19 World Cup was an amazing experience, even though we didn’t win the final. It’s a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to play in a World Cup, and getting that opportunity was incredible. Representing England in international cricket is a privilege.

I also won’t forget making my senior debut for Glamorgan last year; that was huge for me.

You’ve always dreamed of representing your country in cricket. How does it feel to achieve that at such a young age?

It was surreal. I received a call from my agent a day or two before the match. I was doing my GCSEs at the time, and suddenly, I was playing alongside players like Kieran Carlson, who I had watched since I was young. It was a dream come true.

What are your thoughts on how Welsh Cricket Pathway has helped you progress?

The professional environment and the pressure to perform helped me develop as a young cricketer. It prepared me for the challenges of playing for Glamorgan. The system I grew up in was excellent for developing young cricketers. The coaching staff and the pathway were well-established, and it played a crucial role in my journey as a professional cricketer.

The environment at Glamorgan seems to have played a significant role in your development. Can you tell us more about that?

Absolutely. Last year, as I was still growing into the team, I had the privilege of having Chris Cook as a mentor. Learning from experienced players like him and Sam Northeast has had a huge impact on my game. Watching them go about their business on the field has been invaluable.

You’ve been learning a lot from Matthew Maynard, a prominent figure in Welsh cricket. Can you tell us about your relationship with him?

Matt is a fantastic coach, and his achievements in the game speak for themself. I try to absorb as much knowledge as possible whenever he’s around. Being able to learn from someone of his calibre has been instrumental in my development. His guidance has significantly contributed to improving my skills and my understanding of the game.

Exciting times lie ahead for Welsh Cricket with the Hundred competition and the arrival of Mark Alleyne as Glamorgan’s new One Day head Coach, what are your thoughts?

It’s a really exciting time for Welsh Cricket. The Hundred competition coming to Cardiff presents a great opportunity for young players like me to showcase their skills. Additionally, having Mark Alleyne as the new white-ball coach adds to the excitement. I believe it will be a fantastic time for the team and a chance for us to push on.

Will you be trying to tap into Michael Hussey’s cricket knowledge?

Absolutely. If he’s around, I’ll be like a sponge, trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible from him. He is a legend of the game, and I’m eager to learn from his experiences. It’s an opportunity to enhance my understanding, and further develop my skills.

Where do you think Glamorgan can finish this season, considering their close calls in various formats last year?

We are very confident this season after a productive winter and preseason. We came so close last year in the red-ball format, and that remains a significant goal for us. We also have faith in our talent in white-ball cricket. If we back ourselves and perform to the best of our abilities, we believe positive results will follow.

Finally, what are your hopes and aspirations for the season ahead?

Personally, I aspire to play in all three formats, but I’ve had more experience in white-ball cricket so far. My primary focus is to ensure my performance in the white-ball team is strong. While I also want to play in red-ball cricket, I recognize that there is still room for improvement in that area of my game. So, I have plenty of work to do to reach my goals.