As the Black Caps get ready for the World Cup, Will Young will get the first opportunity to stake his claim to an opening batting spot in New Zealand’s one-day team. The match will serve as a warmup for the World Cup.
Since Martin Guptill was released from his contract in the previous year, New Zealand has had a difficult time finding a replacement to bat at the top of the order alongside Devon Conway.
Young, who had previously been used as a batter in the middle order, was shifted to the top of the order for the tour of Pakistan. He impressed with 240 runs at an average of 48 during the four-game series loss that took place in April and May.
Later on Friday, the first match of the four-match England series will take place in Cardiff, and the captain Tom Latham has announced that Young will open.
Latham stated to the press, “It should come as no surprise that Young is a quality player.”
“We’ve been thinking about him for a considerable amount of time now.
“(He) hasn’t had a lot of opportunities, but I think he’s played incredibly well whenever he’s been given them in recent times.
“(It’s) another great opportunity for him to come in and put some performances on the board,” the commentator said.
Latham mentioned that the destructive Finn Allen, who opens for New Zealand’s T20 squad, would also have a chance to open against England. Allen gave up the slot to Young while playing in the Indian Premier League, thus Latham mentioned that Allen might also get the opportunity to open against England.
On September 11, New Zealand is likely to announce their preliminary roster for the worldwide competition that will begin in India the following month. New Zealand finished as the runner-up at the 2019 World Cup in England.
“Guys are going to get opportunities throughout the series,” stated Latham earlier in the conversation.
“Let’s hope that they are able to make the most of the opportunities they have.”