William Alexander Young, born on November 22, 1992, is a rising star in the world of professional cricket, hailing from New Zealand. Known for his prowess as a batsman, Young dons the jersey for the esteemed New Zealand cricket team and also represents Nottinghamshire, having made a notable transition from Northamptonshire.
A Captain at a Young Age
Young’s cricketing journey took an early leadership turn when he captained the New Zealand Under-19 cricket team during the 2012 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, showcasing his leadership skills and cricketing potential.
Stepping onto the International Stage
In December 2020, Young marked a significant milestone by making his international debut for the New Zealand cricket team, a testament to his dedication and talent. He was also a valued member of the New Zealand squad that emerged victorious in the 2019–2021 ICC World Test Championship.
A Remarkable Domestic Career
During the 2011/12 New Zealand domestic cricket season, Young made his first-class debut for Central Districts, a pivotal moment in his cricketing journey. At the tender age of 23, he assumed the role of captain in December 2015, demonstrating his leadership potential. Under his captaincy, the Central Stags clinched the one-day Ford Trophy in 2016 and remained unbeaten in the first-class Plunket Shield in 2018, a testament to his leadership and contribution to the team’s success. However, Young made the strategic decision to step down from the captaincy, focusing his efforts on honing his batting skills and securing a spot in the New Zealand national team.
A Glimpse of International Cricket
In December 2018, Young received his maiden call-up to the New Zealand Test squad for a series against Sri Lanka, a significant recognition of his talent, although he did not make his debut at that time.
In March 2019, Young was on the cusp of making his Test cricket debut, but the tragic terrorist attack in Christchurch on the same afternoon led to the cancellation of a scheduled Test match between New Zealand and Bangladesh at Hagley Oval.
Despite not having played an international match, Young’s talent was recognized when he was one of the twenty players awarded an annual NZC contract for the 2019–20 season by New Zealand Cricket, reflecting his potential and promise in the cricketing world.
Overcoming Adversity
In May 2019, Young was poised to be named a reserve player for New Zealand in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. However, he opted to undergo shoulder surgery instead, following an injury to his right labrum sustained during a training camp. This decision showcased his commitment to long-term success and recovery.
Despite his shoulder injury, Young showcased his incredible talent by scoring back-to-back centuries for a New Zealand XI against Australia in a one-day warm-up series of three unofficial ODIs in Brisbane in May 2019. His impressive performance included consecutive scores of 60, 130, and 111 against the defending Cricket World Cup champions.
A Steady Rise
In November 2020, Young’s journey continued to ascend as he was named in the New Zealand A cricket team for practice matches against the touring West Indies team, further solidifying his place in the cricketing landscape. Later that same month, he earned a spot in New Zealand’s Test squad for the series against the West Indies. He made his Test debut for New Zealand on December 3, 2020, against the West Indies, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Embracing Limited-Overs Cricket
In March 2021, Young embraced the limited-overs formats as he was named in New Zealand’s One Day International (ODI) squad for their series against Bangladesh. His ODI debut for New Zealand occurred on March 20, 2021, against Bangladesh, a memorable moment in his international career. Later the same month, Young’s versatility and talent were further recognized as he was named in New Zealand’s Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for their series against Bangladesh. He made his T20I debut for New Zealand on March 28, 2021, against Bangladesh.
A Century to Remember
In March 2022, during the opening match against the Netherlands, Young etched his name in the record books by scoring his first century in ODIs, remaining unbeaten with a remarkable 103 runs, a testament to his batting prowess and composure under pressure.
A Dazzling Display of Power Hitting
In January 2023, Young dazzled the cricketing world with a spectacular display of power hitting. During a T20 match against Auckland spinner Louis Delport, he achieved a rare feat by smashing five consecutive deliveries for six in a single over. While he narrowly missed hitting the sixth six, his extraordinary feat left a lasting impact, showcasing his immense talent and potential as a cricketer.
In conclusion, William Alexander Young’s cricketing journey is marked by dedication, talent, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As he continues to make his mark in domestic and international cricket, Young stands as a rising star who has already achieved remarkable milestones and promises even greater contributions to the world of cricket.
