NZ v England: Will Young hoping to be the difference in Hamilton
Will Young is hoping to continue his strong form after being recalled into New Zealand’s starting lineup for the third Test against England, starting this Saturday in Hamilton.
The 32-year-old was player of the series in New Zealand’s historic whitewash of India last month, scoring 244 runs at an average of 48.40.
Yet, with the return of Kane Williamson from injury, Young was unable to hold onto his spot in the playing 11, watching from the sidelines as the Black Caps lost the first two Tests against England.
“Look, to come back here, it’s disappointing,” he said.
“Obviously you always want to play.
“It’s a very tough lineup to fit into.
“It’s just the way it is at the moment, and that’s fine.
“It was a fantastic time in India, and we did really, really well.
“I got the accolade of player of the series.
“But the fact of the matter is we all played outstandingly well, and all stood up at different times.
“The nature of Test cricket is the balance of the side can change a lot.”
Young harbours no resentment about being left out of the team for the first two Tests against England, but he is eager to make his mark in the final match of the series.
“Gary is pretty transparent,” he said.
“There’s nothing to talk about there.
“You hear his position, you understand it.
“At the end of the day he’s got the team’s best interest at heart, too.
“I understand, it’s just the way it is at the moment.
“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.
“I’ll wait in the wings for my opportunity and thankfully one has come here in the last Test against England.”
Having been pre-series favourites at cricket bookmakers, New Zealand are now slight underdogs heading into the final Test.
Bovada has the home side at +125 to win, while England are at -111.11 to complete a series whitewash.