VADODARA: When New Zealand stunned India 3-0 in a Test series in Nov 2024, Will Young emerged the unlikely hero. Standing in for Kane Williamson , the 33-year-old scored 244 runs in three Tests at 48.8, including two fifties on turning tracks in Pune and Mumbai against the likes of R Ashwin, Jadeja and Washington Sundar to earn the Player of the Series award.Asked if that India tour was the peak of his career, Young didn’t hesitate. “Yes, you’d have to put it right at the top,” he said during New Zealand’s training session at the Kotambi Stadium on Friday.
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One-dayers will be a different test, though, but Young feels the visitors arrive with momentum. “It’s a different format, but we’ve played some great one – d ay cricket at home. It’s a great chance to come over with a slightly different side. The dream is to win another series in India,” he said.With the T20 World Cup round the corner, a short bilateral ODI series can seem low on context. Young disagreed, pointing out that the format still has two ICC showpieces — the ODI World Cup and the Champions Trophy.“You probably play fewer ODIs now, but there are still two world events with so much history. There’s a hell of a lot to play for. And three ODIs in India against such a strong side is an amazing challenge. We can’t wait,” he said.Glenn Phillips may bat left-handedMeanwhile, New Zealand may have a wildcard for the T20 World Cup next month. Glenn Phillips, the athletic allrounder and outstanding fielder is working on another option: batting left-handed.The 31-year-old recently surprised fans by switching stances to hit boundaries through the covers as a left-hander. During a 90-run Super Smash knock for the Volts against the Stags in Alexandra on Dec 30, the righthander cracked a left-handed cover drive for four and later launched left-arm spinner Jaydon Lennox for six over cover.Phillips told nzc.nz he has honed the skill since his early 20s. “I’ve always been able to bat left-handed,” he said, adding that he has increased the work in the nets.
