Young happy to see a few familiar faces
Will Young has driven six hours from Durham to Southampton to join the Black Caps as they prepare for their England tour and the World Test Championship final against India next month.
The Central Districts batsman is fresh off back-to-back centuries opening in the county championship for Durham, as he puts pressure on for a place in the starting XI.
Young says he was ushered in the hotel’s tradesmen’s entrance at the Ageas Bowl to avoid any Covid complications with other guests, and got a pleasant surprise upon arrival at his room.
“I’ve got a lovely view out my window of the Ageas Bowl and I stepped out onto my balcony and was greeted by everyone else. I’ve got Doug Bracewell next to me, Ajaz Patel on the other side and the rest of the boys are all sort of arced around,” he said.
The majority of the Black Caps test contingent touched down in London on Monday before being transferred to Southampton where they will be based for the first two weeks of the tour.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Black Caps are adhering to strict health protocols including pre-departure vaccinations and Covid tests, along with receiving medical bags equipped with masks and hand sanitiser.
While in England, they will operate in a controlled team environment to limit outside contact and risk of transmission. All tour members will complete a daily selfreported health screening as well as undergoing regular covid testing.
The first three days will be spent in hotel room isolation, before mini training groups of six can be established from days 4-6.
Opening the batting over the weekend, the 28-year-old Young scored 103 to help Durham secure a win over Worcestershire.
It was his second straight 100 for Durham — having scored 124 in their last game two weeks ago — with both coming in bowler-friendly conditions.
His ability to cope with the swinging Dukes ball, which will be used during the Black Caps’ tour, will be of particular interest to the New Zealand selectors.
“It’s certainly a lot different than the Kookaburra ball and first class cricket at home, Young said. “It swings and nips around as you’d expect in April and May over in England. It’s been a fantastic learning curve really.
Young will likely be in a battle with incumbent opener Tom Blundell and breakout star Devon Conway for the opening batting slot.
Black Caps veteran Ross Taylor believes Young’s form will put “another spanner in the works” for selectors.
“The way Will has gone over there and got two first class 100s, I sent him a message last night and said well done.
“I guess it just adds another different dimension to the team.
“I’m sure Steady (head coach Gary Stead) and Kane (Williamson) will have an idea of what their team is, but this puts another spanner in the works. I’m sure Will’s there or thereabouts. It’s a nice place to be.”