Full Name: Craig Alexander Young Date of Birth: April 4, 1990 Birthplace: Londonderry, Northern Ireland Teams: Ireland National Team, North West Warriors, Ireland Wolves, Sussex (2nd XI), Bready Cricket Club Steady, committed, and quietly effective — Craig Young is the kind of cricketer every team dreams of. A genuine fast-medium bowler with a smooth action, Young has become one of Ireland’s most consistent and trusted performers with the ball, delivering breakthroughs just when his side needs them most. Born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Craig Young’s cricketing journey began on the pitches of Bready, where he developed a strong foundation through local club cricket. As a youngster, he showed an early knack for bowling sharp seam deliveries with bounce and carry, catching the eye of national selectors while representing the Irish youth teams. Young’s big break came when he joined the Sussex County Cricket Club’s 2nd XI, gaining valuable exposure in English conditions. His progress through the Irish domestic scene was steady, and in 2014, he made a memorable ODI debut against Scotland, grabbing a five-wicket haul (5/45) — an achievement that instantly put him in the spotlight. It was the perfect start to a career that would be defined by hard work, persistence, and clinical execution. Over the years, Young has been a regular in Ireland’s ODI and T20I squads, consistently clocking brisk pace and using seam-friendly conditions to his advantage. His strength lies in his ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain a disciplined line and length. He is often used in key powerplay overs, and his knack for early breakthroughs has turned many games Ireland’s way. In T20 cricket, Young has evolved to become a reliable death-over specialist. His control, slower balls, and intelligent variations make him a go-to option for captains in high-pressure scenarios. He’s been particularly effective in tournaments like the T20 World Cup, where his experience and calmness have made a visible difference in Ireland’s bowling attack. Though not always the loudest or most celebrated player, Craig Young has quietly built a strong resume: over 100 international wickets, numerous match-winning spells, and a reputation for delivering under pressure. His standout performances against strong teams like West Indies, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe have proven that he belongs on the big stage. In Ireland’s first-ever Test match against Pakistan in 2018, Young was part of the historic squad, marking his contribution to a new era in Irish cricket. He may not have played in the match itself, but his presence in the team reflected the faith the Irish setup had in his experience and quality. Off the field, Craig is known for his composed demeanor, leadership in domestic cricket with the North West Warriors, and dedication to fitness. He’s also respected for guiding emerging fast bowlers and nurturing future talent in Ireland’s bowling reserves. Now in his mid-30s, Craig Young remains one of Ireland’s most dependable pacemen, always ready to run in and give his all for the team. His legacy will be that of a bowler who did the hard yards — with precision, professionalism, and pride in the Irish jersey.