On November 3, 2024, New Zealand achieved something that none of the Test teams of any generation had achieved before. Tom Latham and his men became the first team ever to clean-sweep India in a Test series of three or more matches.
It is one of the biggest moments in New Zealand’s cricket history. Will Young was one of the chief architects of this win and was rightly adjudged the Player of the Series for his consistent batting performances.
Young batted at the crucial position of No. 3 in this series and made the spot his own. The right-hander scored 244 runs in three Tests at an average of 48.80 with two fifties. Interestingly, both of his half-centuries came in the third Test at Mumbai.
Will Young breaks silence on New Zealand’s historic win
While speaking at the post-match presentation after New Zealand’s win at Mumbai, Will Young spoke about the magnitude of the victory. Young claimed that he tried to keep things simple and trust his defense more.
“Firstly for the team to come over here. One win was huge but to go again and again was huge. I tried to keep it simple, at times I need to trust my defence and at times I need to work out where I want to score,” Young said.
Will Young came into the Playing XI after Kane Williamson was ruled out of the series due to a groin injury. When asked about his own spot in the team after Kane Williamson’s return, Young left it to the team management to decide.
“We have created memories with the boys. We go back and enjoy each other’s company. Next series we’ll see what happens (On Kane Williamson’s return),” the 31-year-old added.
Why didn’t Kane Williamson play in this series?
Kane Williamson was earlier ruled out of the initial phase but was later ruled out of the whole series as he was unable to recover on time. He has been New Zealand’s best batter over a long period of time. It remains to be seen how New Zealand manage its batting order after his return.
Williamson is also the most prolific run-scorer for New Zealand across formats and also in Tests. His injury was seen as a huge setback to New Zealand before this series. However, Will Young stepped in at his batting spot and made sure that New Zealand did not miss him.
Will Young’s batting brilliance at Wankhede
Will Young scored twin fifties in the final Test at Wankhede and showed tremendous resilience during his stay at the crease. He played the Indian spinners exceptionally well on a surface that was tailor-made for spin bowling.
Young scored 71 off 138 balls in the first innings of the match and then followed it up with a vital 51 off 100 balls in the second innings. He looked absolutely assured during his stay and held New Zealand’s innings together.
Young emerged as the third-highest run-getter in the series after Rishabh Pant and Rachin Ravindra. But the 31-year-old was consistent enough and made useful contributions in low-scoring games.
