Can Carlson ‘prove doubters wrong’ in Division One?Image source, Rex FeaturesImage caption, Kiran Carlson succeeds Sam Northeast as Glamorgan captainBySaihaj JaspalBBC Sport WalesPublished10 minutes agoWhen Kiran Carlson brought up his maiden century in just his third first-class match for Glamorgan on 12 September 2016, it concluded a chaotic day.Up against Essex in Chelmsford, the game’s start was delayed by 90 minutes after Glamorgan’s kit van was stuck in traffic on the A12.By the end of the day, Carlson had become the youngest player to score a first-class century for Glamorgan – at 18 years and 119 days – in a knock of patience and precision beyond his years.It was the third week of a first-class career that included a five-wicket haul on debut, a pair in his second game and a maiden century in his third match.Some welcome to the professional game.Now, nearly 10 years later, the 27-year-old is preparing for his first season as club captain and Glamorgan’s first in Division One of the County Championship since 2005.’Surprise’ at the thought of a long careerDespite a compelling start to his career, Carlson says his 18-year-old self would not believe it if someone told him he would be club captain in 10 years.”I think he’d be surprised, it’s not something that I thought about when I began playing, about having a long career,” the Cardiff-born batting all-rounder told BBC Sport Wales.”I was just happy to have the opportunity. I probably didn’t realise that I had the chance to build a career and a successful one.”Carlson’s frank self-assessment of his entrance into the professional game differs to Mark Wallace’s memory. Glamorgan’s current director of cricket turned from teammate to boss, having called time on a 17-year professional career at the end of Carlson’s breakthrough season in 2016.Wallace, however, still remembers his first impression of the club’s future skipper.”It was noticeable when he came in how calm he was,” Wallace recalled.”He wasn’t overawed at all by the occasion of being so young and making his debut, he just came and played. “He had an air of confidence which has seen him in good stead throughout his career.”Carlson succeeds Northeast as Glamorgan captain
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Published19 January
