On 26 July 1933 made his debut for Durham against Yorkshire's 2nd XI at Headingley, batting at number 10, he top scored with 44 in a total of 145. He retained his place in the next game when Durham beat the touring West Indies at Ashbrooke, Sunderland. Carter was dismissed for a duck. In July 1934, he was again selected to play for Durham against Yorkshire's 2nd XI at Headingley. He took 4-22 and scored 10 runs. He retained his place in the side for the next game against the touring Australia side.