After speculation about his future, it was revealed this week Auckland wicketkeeper-batsmen Reece Young will fill the gap at the Canterbury Wizards in hope of gaining an international keeping role.
30 year old Young has spent his entire First Class cricketing career playing for the Auckland Aces. However when Kruger van Wyk departed Canterbury for the Central Stags last month, Young jumped at the opportunity to fill the breach. He said on one hand it was a hard decision to leave behind a major association who had supported him during his cricketing career, but on the other hand he’s looking forward to the fresh start down south.
“I looked at the spot open in Canterbury and with Brendon McCullum’s recent news to stand down from Test keeping, it seemed like a logical choice,” Young said. “My ultimate goal is to play for New Zealand and at the end of the day the decision I’ve made is to help achieve that goal.”
While playing for the Aces he had to share the keeping role with international stumper Gareth Hopkins. Now Young has moved to the Wizards he’ll be able to wear the gloves on a full time basis. “Gareth and I had a strong professional relationship in Auckland. We managed the issue of having two top class keepers and we shared the duties well,” he said. “But to keep full time was a big carrot. I didn’t want to finish my career with any regrets. I want to do my upmost to achieve higher honours and at the end of the day I’ve made the right move and I’m happy with that although it was hard leaving Auckland.”
Young has been touted as an international keeping option along with Hopkins after McCullum’s announcement in June. He’s already had a taste of the international scene after heading on tour with the BLACKCAPS last year to Sri Lanka and taking the park when McCullum was struck by a stomach bug. Recently he’s also been selected for the New Zealand A side who will be heading off shore in a few weeks to participate in the Emerging Players Tournament in Australia.
Young sees the tournament as an opportunity to capture the eye of the selectors in hope of a call up to the next level. “It’s a good opportunity to showcase my One-Day and Twenty20 talent,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting out there and producing consistent, solid performances and Gareth will be away in Sri Lanka. It’s a good chance for the selectors to look at us and see who is in form.
“To be honest, it’s an exciting time. Obviously the door’s ajar for that spot and I’m just going to do what I can and play to my potential. I’ll leave it in the hands of the selectors.”
In the New Zealand A side he’ll also be joined by a few familiar faces including former Auckland Aces and now current Canterbury Wizards all-rounder Rob Nicol. Young said having familiar faces will help his transition from the North Island to the Garden City when it comes to his domestic move. “I’ve been around so long that I’ve got to know a few of the guys. You get to mix and mingle and form strong relationships,” he said. “I get along well with (Wizards’ captain) Peter Fulton and I’ve had some encouraging conversations with Coach Bob Carter. Rob Nicol’s also given me a bit of support.”
Nicol has given Young the inside word on what it is like in Canterbury and Young is looking forward to moving to Christchurch before the season starts on October 1. “Rob said to bring my surfboard! He’s enjoying it down there and I can’t wait to make the move,” he said. “I just like to say it’s been a pleasure playing for Auckland. It’s great opportunity and I thank them for their support regarding this tough decision. I’m looking forward to fresh start and giving it my all for Canterbury.”
