Alex has a need for speed
Alex Wade signed a maiden professional contract with Yorkshire ahead of the 2025 summer, an initial two-year deal.
Fast bowler Wade has represented England Under 19s both at home and abroad. Most recently, he played an important part in a Test Match victory against South Africa in Cape Town at the start of February, claiming two wickets and hitting a first-innings 49 not out down the order.
Wade’s extra pace is a feature of his game.
He has only just turned 18 and is a product of Olicanian Cricket Club.
Wade was a talented junior hockey player who played for North of England and was in the national pathway system before settling on the pursuit of a career in cricket.
He was part of the Yorkshire Academy side which won the Under 18s County Cup (one-day) title in September 2024. They beat Middlesex in the final at Kibworth.
Wade impressed with 4-25 in a second-team T20 victory over Derbyshire last June.
He is a right-armer with a smooth action – a bowler who has been compared to England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood. Yorkshire second-team coach Tom Smith is just one who sees that particular comparison.
Shortly after signing his pro contract late last year, Wade was asked which bowlers he looks up to.
“I definitely look at the ones with raw pace, Jofra Archer, Shaun Tait, the West Indian quicks,” he said. “I love watching those and take a couple of things from them. Michael Holding’s another one I’ve watched.”
He came through the Yorkshire age-groups and first represented the Academy in 2023 and the second team last year.
UPDATED: Feb 2025.
