Even without the snooker prowess, Albert is surrounded by sport in his family. His father John played club cricket for Malden Wanderers in Surrey and brother Sonny, two years Ralphie’s senior, was “never out” in cricket played in the back garden. Albert has inherited his grandfather’s love of Chelsea Football Club.
First identified for his bowling, Albert says it is now “50-50” as to whether he is stronger with bat or ball in hand.
“I like taking the game on, I like to be attacking when I’m batting,” he explains. “I enjoy playing shots, but also trying to be smart with my options.
“When I’m bowling I like to get in the competitive aspect of it. Creating pressure with the ball, building dots and then trying to play a game of cat and mouse with the batter.”
Chris Taylor, head of talent pathway at Surrey, agrees with Albert in the assessment of his skills, and highlights other impressive aspects of his game.
“In his first-team debut for Surrey, in the One-Day Cup, just before he bowled his first ball he looked around and changed the field slightly,” says Taylor. “It was moving extra cover or mid-wicket a bit straighter.
“For a 17-year-old to have the clarity even to check the field before he bowls his first ball, then make a change is a very small thing, but a real indicator he’s got an inner-confidence.
“Cricket intuition is so difficult to coach, but is one of his biggest strengths at the moment.”
Albert has played for Surrey through the age groups, yet it came as a surprise to some at the club when his famous grandfather was revealed by a social media post from White earlier this year.
Taylor, the former Gloucestershire captain and England fielding coach, says that is in keeping with the quiet nature of Albert, who can “answer a question with very few words”.
“He’s super passionate about cricket. When he gets home at night, he’s probably on his phone checking all the players and scores,” says Taylor.
“He’s got a skillset which is very attractive. What we have seen so far is his character is up to it, which is the biggest compliment.
“He’s going to be a genuine all-rounder, able to win a game with ball and bat, and in all formats.”
Understandably, the buzz around Albert comes partly because of his superstar grandfather. Now, as his development continues and with a professional contract in his back pocket, he is ready to carve his own path, rather than simply be known as Jimmy White’s grandson.
“I wouldn’t say there’s a need to prove myself,” says Albert. “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.”
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