Arabic version: دونالد يستعد للعودة إلى إنجلترا على أرضه في كارديف

According to BBC News, Aneurin Donald is preparing to open the batting for England in Cardiff on Thursday, two days after making his international debut in a 119-run T20 win over Sri Lanka in Southampton. The 29-year-old scored 12 from five balls in that match, while captain Harry Brook made an unbeaten 114 from 49 balls and Jos Buttler scored 80.

Donald could become the first player to have represented Glamorgan to play for England since Simon Jones in 2005. The Welsh batter said receiving an international cap on Welsh soil would be among the most special moments of his career, describing the chance as an opportunity to represent the people who have invested time and energy in him and the wider Welsh game.

He will have strong support from Gorseinon cricket club, in a Swansea suburb, where he trained with his family. His parents Andrew and Jocelyn, brother Gafyn and partner Heather are among those backing him. Donald said a home appearance would make the “cold, wet winter days” in the club’s indoor lane shed worthwhile.

Donald came through Glamorgan’s ranks before joining Hampshire in 2018 and Derbyshire in 2023. Captaining Derbyshire this season, he made 489 runs in 12 Vitality Blast matches and struck a competition-leading 37 sixes. He also helped Trent Rockets reach the Hundred final, with a strike rate above 200 in both competitions, and impressed England white-ball coach Brendon McCullum with 38 from 19 balls in that final.

The England opportunity follows serious knee injuries in 2019 and 2020, which Donald said once made an international cap seem unlikely. Now opening with Buttler after Phil Salt’s injury, he expects to retain his attacking role. Donald said his task is to put pressure on opponents early, stretch the powerplay and help England win games rather than simply make up the numbers.