Welsh cricketer Aneurin Donald is set to experience one of the most special moments of his life when he opens the batting for England in Cardiff on Thursday. Donald, 29, made his international debut in the crushing 119-run opening T20 victory against Sri Lanka in Southampton on Tuesday, 15 September. He scored 12 from five balls with captain Harry Brook hitting a brutal unbeaten 114 not out from 49 balls and Jos Buttler scoring 80.

And two days on from becoming the first man who has represented Glamorgan to play for England since Simon Jones in 2005, the explosive batter is looking forward to his Welsh homecoming. "Getting an international cap on Welsh soil would one of the most special moments in my career," said Donald. "I've got the opportunity to fly the flag for everyone that's put some time and energy into me, but not just that, the wider Welsh game."

Donald is a product of Gorseinon cricket club, located in a Swansea suburb, with his parents Andrew and Jocelyn and brother Gafyn among his biggest supporters, alongside Aneurin's partner Heather. "It would make all the cold, wet winter days in our little one indoor lane shed down there worth it," said Donald. "It [Gorseinon] is such a special club. Everyone has made sacrifices, from my family through to all my coaches and everywhere I've been before."

Donald, who came through the Glamorgan ranks, has been rewarded for his fine form for Derbyshire in the T20 Blast and Trent Rockets in the Hundred. Following an injury to fellow Welshman Phil Salt, Donald is opening the batting for England - despite the name the team actually represents England and Wales - with Buttler his partner. "It's surreal and I don't think I've quite come to terms with it," said Donald.