Will Young Biography: Birthday, Career, Stats and Records

Will Young is a New Zealand batsman who represents the Black Caps and Central Districts in international and domestic cricket.

Will Young was born on 22 November 1992 in New Plymouth, New Zealand. A right‑handed top‑order batsman, he has become a regular member of the New Zealand national side and plays domestically for Central Districts. Young made his Test debut against the West Indies at Seddon Park on 3 December 2020, his ODI debut versus Bangladesh at University Oval on 20 March 2021 and his T20I debut at the same venue on 28 March 2021.

Across formats Young has amassed 1,215 Test runs in 23 matches, 1,996 ODI runs in 62 matches – including four centuries with a highest score of 120 – and 344 runs in 20 T20Is. He was the first centurion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and his domestic record features a 174‑not‑out innings for Nottinghamshire and a 392‑run third‑wicket partnership that set a new county record.

Will Young: quick facts

Born: 22 November 1992, New Plymouth
Team: New Zealand
Teams: Central Districts cricket team

Will Young career statistics

Batting

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest	Average	Strike rate	100s	50s
Tests	23	41	1,215	89	31.97	46.84	0	11
ODIs	62	62	1,996	120	35.02	84.58	4	11
T20Is	20	19	344	56	18.11	101.78	0	2

Figures as of 12 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.

Will Young’s early life

Born in New Plymouth, Young attended New Plymouth Boys' High School where he excelled in the school’s First XI. In the 2010 season he accumulated nearly 900 runs, including three centuries, establishing himself as a prolific junior batsman. His performances earned him the captaincy of the New Zealand Under‑19 side for the 2012 ICC Under‑19 Cricket World Cup, providing early exposure to international competition.

Young’s early promise was recognised by New Zealand Cricket, and he entered the domestic circuit with Central Districts in the 2011/12 season. His technical proficiency and temperament at a young age laid the foundation for a career that would later span all three formats for the Black Caps.

Will Young’s domestic career

Young made his first‑class debut for Central Districts in the 2011/12 season and was appointed captain in December 2015 at the age of 23. Under his leadership the Central Stags secured the one‑day Ford Trophy in 2016 and claimed the Plunket Shield unbeaten in 2018. He stepped down from the captaincy to concentrate on his batting and to pursue selection for the national side.

In July 2023 Young signed a three‑match contract with Nottinghamshire, scoring a century on debut against Surrey. He returned for the first half of the 2024 season, where he recorded a career‑high 174 not out against Somerset, forging an unbroken 392‑run third‑wicket partnership with Joe Clarke – a new record for Nottinghamshire that broke a 121‑year-old mark.

Will Young’s international career

Young earned his Test cap on 3 December 2020 against the West Indies at Seddon Park, Hamilton, and later debuted in ODIs on 20 March 2021 versus Bangladesh at University Oval, Dunedin, followed by his T20I debut on 28 March 2021 at the same ground. To date he has featured in 23 Tests, scoring 1,215 runs at an average of 31.97, with a highest score of 89 and eleven half‑centuries. In ODIs he has played 62 matches, accumulating 1,996 runs at 35.02, highlighted by four centuries and eleven fifties, the top score being 120. His T20I record comprises 344 runs from 20 matches at an average of 18.11, with a best of 56.

Young’s most notable innings include a 120 against the Netherlands at Seddon Park on 4 April 2022, a 107 against Pakistan at the National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi on 19 February 2025, a 105 against Bangladesh at University Oval on 17 December 2023, and an unbeaten 103 against the Netherlands at Bay Oval on 29 March 2022. In the period from December 2025 to November 2026 he added 15 runs in two ODI innings and 37 runs in a single Test, indicating continued involvement at the highest level.

Will Young’s franchise and league career

Beyond New Zealand domestic cricket, Young’s county experience with Nottinghamshire has been a significant chapter of his franchise career. His three‑match stint in July 2023 produced a debut century against Surrey, demonstrating his ability to adapt quickly to English conditions. The following season he returned for the first half of 2024, delivering a commanding 174‑not‑out performance against Somerset and contributing to a record‑breaking partnership.

While his primary focus remains on international duties, Young’s county performances have enhanced his reputation as a versatile top‑order batsman capable of playing long innings and accelerating when required. His success in England complements his contributions to Central Districts and the New Zealand side.

Will Young’s records and achievements

Young’s ODI career features four centuries, the highest being 120 against the Netherlands in April 2022. He became the first centurion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, sharing the opening match’s double‑century feat with Tom Latham. His domestic accolades include leading Central Districts to a Ford Trophy win in 2016 and an unbeaten Plunket Shield triumph in 2018, as well as setting a new Nottinghamshire third‑wicket partnership record of 392 runs in 2024.

Internationally, Young was named player of the series in New Zealand’s historic 3‑0 Test victory in India during October‑November 2024, scoring 244 runs at an average of 44.8. He was honoured as the overall winner of the Taranaki Sports Awards in November 2025, recognising his contributions to New Zealand cricket across formats.

Will Young: frequently asked questions

When was Will Young born?

Will Young was born on 22 November 1992 in New Plymouth.

Where is Will Young from?

Will Young was born in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

Which teams has Will Young played for?

Will Young plays international cricket for New Zealand. Will Young’s other teams include Central Districts cricket team.

When did Will Young make an international debut?

Will Young made a Test debut against West Indies at Seddon Park, Hamilton on 3 December 2020. Will Young made an ODI debut against Bangladesh at University Oval, Dunedin on 20 March 2021. Will Young made a T20I debut against Bangladesh at Seddon Park, Hamilton on 28 March 2021.