Craig Alexander Young, born on April 4, 1990, is a prominent Irish professional cricketer who has been making waves in the world of cricket. With his right-handed batting and right-arm medium pace bowling skills, Young has been a valuable asset to the Ireland national cricket team. Let’s delve into the journey of this talented cricketer.
Early and Domestic Career
Young’s cricketing journey began with Bready Cricket Club in the North West Senior League, where he showcased his prowess as a medium pace bowler. His early success led him to represent the Ireland national under-19 cricket team at the 2010 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he impressed by taking nine wickets. This performance caught the eye of Sussex County Cricket Club, who offered him a one-year contract for 2010.
However, Young’s time at Sussex was marred by a series of injuries, limiting his opportunities to make a significant impact. Despite playing for the county’s second team, Young’s determination remained unwavering. His breakthrough came when he made his first-class debut for Ireland in an ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Scotland in late 2013. Young made a memorable debut, taking four wickets in the first innings and two in the second, contributing to an innings victory for Ireland.
In the following year, Young was awarded an “A” category contract by Ireland, signifying his rise in the cricketing ranks. He soon made his one-day debut for the national side, marking the beginning of his international career.
International Career and Milestones
Craig Alexander Young made his One Day International (ODI) debut for Ireland in September 2014, etching his name in history by becoming the ninth player to take five wickets on ODI debut. This remarkable achievement remains one of his standout performances in ODIs.
In Ireland’s 2015 ICC Intercontinental Cup victory over the United Arab Emirates, Young delivered his best match figures in a first-class game. He claimed four wickets in the first innings and three in the second, contributing significantly to Ireland’s resounding victory.
Young’s talent and consistency earned him a spot in Ireland’s Test squad for their match against Pakistan in May 2018, although he was not selected to play. His presence in the Test squad highlighted his potential in the longest format of the game.
Over the years, Young continued to be a part of the Ireland national cricket setup. He was named in the Ireland Wolves squad for their series against the Scotland A cricket team in June 2019. Additionally, Young’s inclusion in Ireland’s Test squad for a one-off match against England at Lord’s in July 2019 showcased his status as a promising cricketing talent.
A Consistent Performer for Ireland
In September 2019, Young’s dedication and skills earned him a spot in Ireland’s squad for the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier tournament held in the United Arab Emirates. His contribution to the team’s efforts in T20 cricket was notable and marked another milestone in his international career.
In July 2020, Young was named in Ireland’s 21-man squad for training behind closed doors, gearing up for the ODI series against the England cricket team. His inclusion in the squad was a testament to his growing reputation as a reliable performer in the international arena.
As of September 2021, Craig Alexander Young’s name continued to feature in Ireland’s provisional squad for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, signifying his importance to the team’s T20 aspirations.
A Bright Future Awaits
Craig Alexander Young’s journey in cricket has been characterized by determination, skill, and consistent performances for Ireland. With his ability to excel in different formats of the game, Young is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s rising cricket stars. As he continues to evolve and contribute to Ireland’s cricketing success, the future looks promising for this talented cricketer.
