Canterbury Wizards’ coach Bob Carter is thrilled to have the experience and skill of wicketkeeper-batsman Reece Young on his side heading into the new season and he hopes Young will step up to the mark in a number of areas.
In early July former Auckland Aces player Young announced he would be making the move to Canterbury and will take to the field for the red and blacks in a keeping role. Carter knows 30 year old Young will add depth in a number of facets. “Young has all-round skills. With his wicketkeeping he’s played at an international level and he’s also a batting specialist who can bat anywhere,” he said.
Young has performed well for the Aces with the bat in recent seasons and Carter hopes Young will bring that form with him when he makes the move to Canterbury. “He’s very dynamic so he’ll be able to bat anywhere in the top order,” Carter said. “In the last three seasons he’s averaged over 50 with the bat.”
Carter also knows the former Aucklander is eyeing up the Test keeping spot for the BLACKCAPS and the coach is working closely with the new import to ensure he reaches his international dreams. “Obviously Reece is in the frame for that role and we will help him reach it.”
Strong leadership is also something Carter is hoping Young will produce. The Wizards have a number of young, up and coming players in need of positive role models within the side. One of those bright talents is New Zealand Under 19 wicketkeeper Tom Latham. “Hopefully Reece can add to Tom’s development,” Carter said. “We are turning to Reece for leadership and to get him to help Tom, which is a win-win situation for everyone.”
* Image of Bob Carter
