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Will Young: New Zealand Batsman Excels in 2025 with Champions Trophy Success

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Will young

Greetings, cricket enthusiasts! Welcome to Cricketfanzone.com, the premier destination for cricket predictions, updates, and fantasy tips. I am Mrinal Roy, founder of this platform, and today, this article celebrates Will Young, a New Zealand batsman who excels in 2025. From guiding the Black Caps to a historic 3-0 Test series victory against India in 2024 to scoring a century against Pakistan in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy opener, Will Young establishes himself as a vital player. At 32, he emerges from the shadow of Kane Williamson to become a cornerstone of New Zealand’s batting lineup. This article explores Will Young’s journey, career highlights, statistics, personal details, and reasons to select him for fantasy cricket teams. Let the exploration begin!

Biography of Will Young

Will Young, a New Zealand cricketer, was born on November 22, 1992, in New Plymouth, Taranaki. At 32 years of age in July 2025, he serves as a right-handed top-order batsman renowned for a disciplined technique and composure under pressure. Young typically occupies the No. 3 or No. 4 position, excelling in Test and ODI formats, with increasing contributions in T20Is. His path from a small-town cricketer to a Black Caps mainstay reflects dedication and skill.

Initially known as a reserve player, Young often substituted for stars like Kane Williamson. In 2024 and 2025, he discards this label, delivering standout performances in the 2024 India Test series and the 2025 Champions Trophy. His 244 runs in India earned the Player of the Series award, while a century in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi showcased his ODI prowess. Holding a central contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Will Young garners praise from experts like Ian Smith and Sunil Gavaskar, marking him as a key figure in 2025.

Career Path of Will Young: Determination and Triumph

The career of Will Young exemplifies perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and capitalising on opportunities. From dominating domestic cricket with Central Districts to shining internationally, this section traces his ascent.

Early Career and Domestic Achievements

Will Young developed a passion for cricket in Taranaki, a region framed by Mount Taranaki and the Tasman Sea. At New Plymouth Boys’ High School, he amassed nearly 900 runs in the 2010 season, including three centuries, setting local records. His childhood coach, Debu Banik, noted Young’s dedication, recalling how he persuaded peers to bowl extra deliveries after practice. “He stayed late for throw-downs, exhausting my arm,” Banik recounted.

Will Young made his first-class debut for Central Districts in the 2011-12 Plunket Shield season at the age of 20. By 2015, he assumed captaincy of the Central Stags, leading them to the 2016 Ford Trophy (one-day) title and an unbeaten 2018 Plunket Shield campaign. In the 2017-18 season, he scored 686 runs, ranking second for Central Districts and fourth overall in the Plunket Shield, with a career-best 162. His 909 runs at an average of 53 in 2014-15 secured a call-up to the New Zealand squad in 2018.

International Debut and Challenges

The international journey of Will Young faced early setbacks. Named in the Test squad against Sri Lanka in December 2018, he did not play. A scheduled debut against Bangladesh in March 2019 at Hagley Oval was cancelled due to the Christchurch mosque attacks. “We gathered in a teammate’s hotel room, watching the tragedy unfold. Cricket seemed insignificant,” Young reflected. A shoulder injury (torn labrum) in 2019 forced him to miss the World Cup, requiring surgery.

Despite these challenges, Young persevered. In May 2019, he scored consecutive centuries (130 and 111) for a New Zealand XI against Australia in one-day warm-up matches, averaging over 100. This performance earned an NZC contract for 2019-20. His Test debut occurred on December 3, 2020, against the West Indies in Hamilton, where he scored 43. In March 2021, he debuted in ODIs and T20Is against Bangladesh, marking his presence across formats.

Breakthrough Moments 2024 India Series and 2025 Champions Trophy

The year 2024 marked a turning point for Young. Replacing an injured Kane Williamson in New Zealand’s Test tour of India, he batted

At No. 3, he guided New Zealand to a historic 3-0 Test series triumph against India, marking their first-ever clean sweep on Indian soil. Young scored 244 runs at an average of 48.80, including three fifties (71, 48, and 51), earning the Player of the Series award. His ability to counter-spin on challenging pitches impressed commentators, with Ian Smith stating, “Young proves he belongs at No. 3.” This series bolstered New Zealand’s chances for the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord’s.

In 2025, Will Young delivered exceptional performances in the ICC Champions Trophy held in Pakistan. On February 19, 2025, he scored a masterful 105 against Pakistan in the tournament opener in Karachi, helping New Zealand post 280 and win by 60 runs. His partnership with Tom Latham drew praise, with an X post describing it as “a lesson in ODI batting.” Young added 68 against Bangladesh and 87 in the semi-final against South Africa, though he scored 29 in a group-stage loss to India. Before the final against India on March 9, 2025, in Dubai, Young cited New Zealand’s 2000 ICC KnockOut victory as inspiration: “I was eight, idolising Scott Styris. To play in a final 25 years later feels special.”

Obstacles Overcome

The career of Will Young faced several hurdles. Labelled a reserve batsman, he often covered for Williamson or Ross Taylor, carrying drinks or fielding as a substitute. In November 2024, despite his India success, he was excluded from the first Test against England to accommodate Williamson’s return, prompting debate on X. “Young has earned a fixed place in the team after his India heroics,” a fan expressed in a post. Young responded graciously: “I will continue working hard and be prepared when needed.”

Injuries posed challenges, notably the 2019 shoulder surgery that sidelined him for months. His mental fortitude, shaped by discussions with coach Debu Banik and mentoring young players at the Taranaki Cricket Academy, kept him focused. The establishment of the Will Young Cricket Trust, which provides equipment and funding to aspiring Taranaki cricketers, reflects his commitment to the sport’s future.

Statistics of Will Young: A Record of Consistency

The statistics of Will Young demonstrate his reliability and impact. Below is a summary as of July 2025, based on data from ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz:

Test Statistics

His 244 runs in the 2024 India series, averaging 48.80, stand as a career highlight.

ODI Statistics

His first ODI century (103 not out) came against the Netherlands in March 2022, followed by a 105 in the 2025 Champions Trophy opener.

T20I Statistics

While his T20I numbers are modest, Young shows potential with quick fifties.

First-Class Statistics

His 686 runs in the 2017-18 Plunket Shield season were pivotal in earning international recognition.

Current Teams and Roles of Will Young

As of July 2025, Will Young participates in the following teams and initiatives:

Young stepped down as Central Stags captain in 2019 to focus on batting, a decision that fueled his international rise.

Personal Details of Will Young

Born in New Plymouth, Young attended New Plymouth Boys’ High School and studied at Massey University, though cricket took precedence. He maintains a private personal life, with limited information about family or relationships. “My bat speaks for me,” he stated in a Cricbuzz interview. Active on Instagram (@willyoung22), he shares cricket moments and glimpses of Taranaki’s landscapes.

Through the Will Young Cricket Trust, he supports Taranaki’s young cricketers. “Taranaki lacks cricket facilities. “I aim to support young cricketers in chasing their aspirations,” he shared with News18, highlighting his dedication to community initiatives.

Challenges in the Career of Will Young

Will Young encountered several obstacles:

His ability to rebound, evidenced by the 2024 India series and 2025 Champions Trophy, underscores his resilience.

Significance of Will Young’s 2025 Form

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy showcases Will Young’s evolution. His 105 against Pakistan, 68 against Bangladesh, and 87 against South Africa establish him as New Zealand’s batting anchor under captain Mitchell Santner. Reflecting on the group-stage loss to India, he noted, “We learned their strategies. We will bring our best in the final.” His 244 runs in the 2024 India Tests demonstrate his ability to tackle elite bowling, earning praise on X: “Will Young is New Zealand’s batting backbone!”

Fantasy Cricket Tips for Will Young

For fantasy cricket players on Cricketfanzone.com, Will Young offers value:

Notable Facts About Will Young

Future Prospects for Will Young

At 32, Will Young approaches his prime. New Zealand’s 2025 schedule includes a Test tour of Zimbabwe, an ODI series against India in 2026, and the World Test Championship cycle, where he will play a central role. The Champions Trophy final against India on March 9, 2025, presents an opportunity to solidify his legacy. His work with the Will Young Cricket Trust and potential coaching roles with Central Districts highlight his long-term commitment to cricket.

Sources: ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, Hindustan Times, ICC, Indian Express, News18A

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Conclusion

Will Young emerges as a key pillar in New Zealand cricket during 2025. His pivotal role in the 3-0 Test series win against India, along with a century in the Champions Trophy opener, showcases his talent and composure. With 1,674 ODI runs, 1,063 Test runs, and a dedication to Taranaki’s youth, he inspires fans globally. Share your favourite Will Young moment in the comments on Cricketfanzone.com! For more cricket predictions, fantasy tips, and updates, visit my website. Support Will Young and the Black Caps!

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