New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced Will Young as the replacement for Kane Williamson. The former New Zealand captain announced his retirement from international cricket yesterday, just five days ahead of the England vs New Zealand 2nd Test at The Oval.
Will Young replaces Kane Williamson
Barring a fast-bowling travelling reserve in Ben Sears, NZC didn’t select a back-up batter for the England tour. Therefore, Young has been called upon. The 33-year-old hasn’t played a Test for New Zealand since December 2025 and wasn’t selected for the Ireland one-off Test.
Young will arrive in London on June 14 and train with the squad from June 15 onwards, giving him just two days to get himself match-ready. Other than Young, Henry Nicholls is the other batter in the squad. However, the southpaw is a middle-order batter and has batted at number 3, Williamson‘s position, just four times in his career.
Meanwhile, Young is a top-order batter by trade. He’s opened in 16 Tests and played at three in 5. The 33-year-old has played 4 Test matches in England and should be the automatic replacement for Williamson. But if New Zealand decide to promote Rachin Ravindra from four to three, Nicholls might be picked ahead of him.
New Zealand’s squad for England Test series
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Will Young (replaces Kane Williamson), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner. Travelling Reserve: Ben Sears
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