New Zealand’s Will Young plays a shot during the second day of the third cricket test match between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai, India, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.(AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)
With the imminent return of injured Kane Williamson ahead of their England tour, New Zealand selectors will be left in a quandary to decide the number three slot. Will Young, who was given a shot for the one-down spot in the recently concluded Test series in India, grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Young did not hit a century in his six outings but played a crucial role in the series whitewash of India, collecting 244 runs at an average of 48.80. The 3-0 victory against India also kept them in contention for next year’s World Test Championship Final at Lord’s.
The New Zealand Ian Smith, who was in the commentary box during the series, had a good look at Young and feels the youngster needs to be given a longer run. Smith feels the Islanders should persist with Young at the number three spot even after Kane Williamson’s return.
“Will Young has to have a place in the top six – probably at No.3,” Smith said on New Zealand radio station SENZ. “Seldom have I seen a more organised New Zealand batter in those trying conditions. He does not deserve to be left out and neither should he be.”
Young was named the Player of the Series for exploits against India. Smith feels Young was an easy choice. “The TV commentary team I was a part of were given the responsibility of deciding on the match and series awards and I can assure you, Young was a unanimous choice,” Smith revealed.
Not only Smith, India great Sunil Gavaskar too was impressed with Young’s performance.
“To leave him out (of the XI against England) would be testament to leaving out someone who’s just got 10 wickets in an innings. So, I’m not saying it won’t happen. But it shouldn’t. When India great Sunil Gavaskar says Young is his choice, that’s good enough for me. ‘That kid looks so organised. I think he’s a player for the future.’ That’ll do me.”
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
First uploaded on: 08-11-2024 at 12:41 IST
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