He went from being named as the player of the series as New Zealand swept India 3-0, to drinks carrier during the two heavy Test defeats to England at home, and now Will Young faces another shift – back to opening the batting.
It is a position Young, 32, is happy to be in, but it’s also one where he has yet to achieve a lot of success.
Young batted at No.3 in India, averaging 48.8 and hitting two half centuries in Wankhede and an unbeaten 48 in Bengaluru, but will now move back up the order to replace Devon Conway, absent from the third Test in Hamilton which starts on Saturday due to the birth of his first child.
Young took full advantage of the absence of the injured Kane Williamson in India but was pragmatic about his chances of retaining his place for the England series once Williamson was available.
“I look back on that Indian tour with great pride for myself obviously for getting that [player of series] accolade but also for the team and what we achieved over there,” Young said today.
“To come back here, it was disappointing – of course you always want to play. But it’s a pretty tough line up to fit into and it’s just the way it is at the moment.”
He added: “The nature of Test cricket is that the balance of the side can change a lot due to the conditions – home Tests, away Tests. Having one of New Zealand’s absolute greats in Kane coming back was always going to be a headache. I was prepared to be back on the drinks and that’s what transpired.”
Conway’s struggles with the bat meant it may have been touch and go whether he would have been selected for the Test at Seddon Park anyway, and Young’s form, albeit at No.3, means he will be a popular addition for fans who have seen their team lose their last four home Tests.
After 19 Tests, he averages only about 22 as an opener and just over 30 overall, but his confidence levels are likely to be far higher than those of Conway, who struggled through scores of 2, 8, 11 and 0 against England.
Young said: “I haven’t played that many Tests so it is a small sample size and data can skew but they’re not great numbers at the top and I’d certainly like to improve those and do my bit for the team and help send off Tim [Southee] in style.
“Most of the opportunities have come opening the batting. I know what it’s like at the top. It can certainly be challenging. If you do get through that hard pace at the top you can get in and set up a good total. I’m looking forward to slotting back in and showing what I can do.”
This series against England promised much for Black Caps fans, who had high hopes after the team’s historic success in India.
But the now familiar home slump has continued, dashing not only New Zealand’s momentum, but also their chances in the World Test Championship.
“The World Test Championship was at the back of our minds,” Young said. “It was obviously a long shot but it was something we were keen to pursue.
“But also the way the fans rolled out – they were sellout crowds and it’s never nice to lose in front of such a strong fanbase. We’re disappointed but there’s still one more game to go and we look forward to ending the series on a high.”
Former skipper Southee’s impending final Test will also play a part in the collective motivation.
“Obviously, his skill is very high but he’s just a great guy to have around,” Young said. “He’s a good storyteller, he’s never shy of a practical joke, and always has a smile on his face. He’ll be missed.”
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