Full Name: William Alexander Young Date of Birth: November 22, 1992 Place of Birth: New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand Role: Top-order Batter With jersey number 32 stitched neatly across his back and a calm gaze under pressure, Will Young exemplifies classical technique and quiet determination. In an age of unorthodox strokes and power-hitting, Young stands out as a traditionalist, whose cover drives and straight bat speak volumes about his upbringing in the art of Test batting. Born in New Plymouth on New Zealand’s west coast, Will Young’s cricket journey began early, nurtured by a supportive family and a deep-rooted love for the game. A product of King's College in Auckland, he emerged as one of the most gifted schoolboy cricketers of his generation. He led New Zealand at the 2012 U-19 Cricket World Cup, showcasing both his tactical acumen and steady technique at a young age. Young’s domestic journey with Central Districts was one of consistency. He made his First-Class debut in 2012 and quickly became a cornerstone of their batting lineup. Known for his calm temperament and graceful strokeplay, he soon found himself knocking on the doors of the national team. His international debut, however, came later than expected—partly due to a shoulder surgery in 2019 that delayed his rise. But when the opportunity finally came in December 2020, against the West Indies in Tests, Young looked composed and ready. He impressed not just with his solid technique, but with how he absorbed pressure—rare for a debutant. Will made his ODI debut in March 2021 against Bangladesh, and it was here that he truly began to make his mark. Later that year, against Ireland and the Netherlands, he notched up his first ODI centuries, showcasing the elegant strokeplay that had long defined his domestic career. He is known for his classy drives, patience in building an innings, and ability to adapt to different roles—be it anchoring the top order or accelerating in the middle overs. Though often shuffled between formats and batting positions, Young has never let it affect his focus. Whether opening the innings in an ODI or coming in at No. 3 in a Test, he always looks composed, calculated, and committed to the team’s needs. In the 2023 World Cup, he was a dependable figure, stepping in when injuries struck others and playing some vital innings. Off the field, Will Young is a thoughtful and articulate individual. He’s known for his interests beyond cricket, including literature and environmental conservation. Teammates often describe him as “intelligent, grounded, and deeply disciplined.” He may not be the loudest presence on the field, but Will Young brings an old-school charm and a reliability that modern teams crave. Wearing jersey number 32, he stands as a reminder that class, composure, and craft never go out of style.