Will Young (William Alexander Young), born on 22 November 1992, is a professional New Zealand cricketer known for his solid performances as a batsman. He plays international cricket for New Zealand and represents Central Districts in domestic cricket. He’s not just another name in cricket — Young has made his mark across all three formats of the game since making his international debut in December 2020.
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🏏 Will Young’s Early Start & Leadership at a Young Age
William Young’s cricket journey began at New Plymouth Boys’ High School, where he had an unforgettable 2010 season, scoring nearly 900 runs with three centuries for the school’s First XI team.
Soon after, he stepped into professional cricket, making his first-class debut for Central Districts during the 2011/12 season. By December 2015, at just 23 years old, he was named captain of the team. His leadership brought success — the team won the Ford Trophy (2016) and went undefeated in the Plunket Shield (2018).
Eventually, Young stepped down as captain to fully focus on his batting and to work toward a place in the national team.
🇳🇿 The Road to International Cricket
Young’s name was first included in New Zealand’s Test squad in December 2018 for the series against Sri Lanka. However, he didn’t get a chance to play.
In March 2019, he was set to make his debut against Bangladesh, but tragedy struck. A terrorist attack in Christchurch led to the cancellation of the match.
Despite this setback, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) recognized his talent and awarded him a central contract for the 2019–20 season, even before his international debut.
💪 Will Young’s Overcoming Injury & Making a Comeback
Young was initially considered as a reserve player for the 2019 Cricket World Cup, but a shoulder injury forced him to opt for surgery instead. Yet, he made a strong comeback.
In May 2019, he smashed back-to-back centuries (60, 130, and 111) for a New Zealand XI in a warm-up series against Australia. That performance proved he was ready for the big stage.
🌍 Stepping Onto the International Stage
- November 2020: Named in the New Zealand A squad for practice matches vs West Indies
- December 3, 2020: Test debut against West Indies
- March 20, 2021: ODI debut vs Bangladesh
- March 28, 2021: T20I debut vs Bangladesh
Young quickly adapted to all formats, showcasing a balanced and mature batting style.
💯 First Century & Memorable Moments
- March 2022: Scored his maiden ODI century — an unbeaten 103 against the Netherlands
- January 2023: Nearly achieved the rare feat of hitting six sixes in an over, smashing five sixes before being dismissed on the final ball against Auckland’s Louis Delport in a T20 match
🏏 Overseas Stint with Nottinghamshire
- July 2023: Signed a 3-match contract with Nottinghamshire in England
- Debut match: Scored a century vs Surrey
- 2024 Season: Returned for the first half of the county season and delivered a record-breaking performance
In April 2024, Young hit an unbeaten 174 in partnership with Joe Clarke. Together, they built an unbeaten stand of 392 runs for the third wicket, setting a new record for Nottinghamshire — breaking a record that stood for 121 years.
🏆 Will Young A Hero of New Zealand’s Historic Series Win in India
In October–November 2024, Young was named Player of the Series in New Zealand’s historic 3-0 Test series whitewash over India — a monumental achievement for the Black Caps.
He scored 244 runs in six innings at an average of 44.8, with a highest score of 71, becoming a crucial part of the team’s success.
📌 At a Glance: William Young’s Career Highlights
| Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Alexander Young (Will Young) |
| Born | 22 November 1992 |
| International Debut | December 2020 (Test) |
| Formats Played | Test, ODI, T20I |
| First ODI Century | 103* vs Netherlands (March 2022) |
| Domestic Team | Central Districts (New Zealand) |
| Overseas Team | Nottinghamshire (England) |
| School Cricket Achievement | 900 runs in 2010 for New Plymouth Boys’ HS |
| Notable Partnership | 392-run stand with Joe Clarke (2024) |
| Player of the Series | 3-0 Test win vs India (Oct–Nov 2024) |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🔹 When did Will Young make his international debut?
He made his Test debut on 3 December 2020 against the West Indies.
🔹 What is Will Young’s highest score in ODIs?
His highest ODI score is an unbeaten 103 runs against the Netherlands in March 2022.
🔹 Did Will Young play in the 2019 Cricket World Cup?
No, he was supposed to be a reserve but underwent shoulder surgery and missed out.
🔹 Which county team does he play for in England?
He plays for Nottinghamshire and has had notable performances with them since 2023.
🔹 What was his biggest record-breaking partnership?
In April 2024, he shared a 392-run stand with Joe Clarke, setting a new third-wicket record for Nottinghamshire.
🚀 From Almost Quitting to Conquering India – Will Young’s Story Is the Comeback Everyone Needs!
William Young’s cricket journey is nothing short of inspiring — filled with early promise, injuries, comebacks, and now, historic wins on international soil. With his consistent form and calm approach at the crease, Will Young is definitely one to watch in world cricket.