New Zealand have recalled Will Young to their Test squad after Kane Williamson retired from all international cricket on Friday during the ongoing series against England.Young is expected to arrive in England on Sunday and will join the squad for the remaining two Tests, the team announced on Saturday.Despite the series continuing, Williamson has made a call-up following his decision to retire from international cricket. The 35-year-old scored 0 and 18 in New Zealand’s loss to England at Lord’s last week and has since made himself unavailable for the remainder of the series, which resumes at The Oval on Wednesday.Williamson then announced his retirement from all international cricket.Young played a key role in New Zealand’s 3-0 Test series win in India in 2024. He was New Zealand’s second highest run-scorer in the series, scoring 244 runs at an average of 48.80 in the three Tests.Meanwhile, explaining his decision, Williamson said:“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear that now is the right time.”Williamson left the game as New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in all three formats since his debut in 2010, along with Tests, the Men’s ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup.Across all formats, he scored 19,346 runs and scored 48 centuries.In Test cricket, Williamson scored 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06. His record includes 33 centuries, one of which came on debut against India in Ahmedabad, and six double centuries. His highest score against West Indies in 2020 was 251.Williamson captained New Zealand in 206 of his 378 international matches. During his tenure, New Zealand won the first World Test Championship in 2021 and reached the finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Do you think Young will do well in the remaining Tests against England?
Reflecting on his career, Williamson said:“I have always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I am proud to know that I have given my all in every match I have played for New Zealand.“This is a team that I love, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of it for so long. It will always be dear to my heart. I’m optimistic about where this group is going. There’s a lot of talent here, and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team.”New Zealand will continue the England series without Williamson, with Young now joining the squad ahead of the second Test at The Oval.
