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New Zealand have wasted no time in filling the huge gap left by Kane Williamson, who announced his retirement from international cricket on June 12. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially brought in Will Young for the remaining two Test matches against England.
With Kane Williamson, who received an emotional tribute from Virat Kohli, no longer available, all eyes will be on Young as he joins the team at a crucial stage of the tough England tour, where they have already lost the first Test by 115 runs.
Will Young replaces Kane Williamson as New Zealand make major changes to Test squad for England series
On Saturday, 13 June, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Will Young would travel to England on Sunday, 14 June as a replacement for Kane Williamson. Young will join the rest of the squad and begin training on Monday (June 15) as preparations continue for the second Test against England.
The second Test of the ongoing three-match Test series will be played at The Oval from Wednesday, June 17 and New Zealand will be hoping that Young can make a valuable contribution against England.
NZC confirms test recall handed to Will Young
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in a statement on Twitter
Will Young has played 23 Test matches so far and has scored 1215 runs for New Zealand at an average of 31.97 and a strike rate of 46.83 and with the help of 11 fifties. The right-handed batsman played his last Test against West Indies in December last year.
A big welcome to Will Young, who will join the squad tomorrow as the team continue their preparations for the second Test against England starting this Wednesday 17th June.#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/Hd0EWsNPKi
— BlackCaps (@BLACKCAPS) June 13, 2026
Kane Williamson said goodbye to international cricket
Earlier, Kane Williamson had retired from international cricket, bringing an end to his memorable 16-year career with New Zealand. It was a surprising decision, especially when the three-match Test series is still going on in England.
Williamson was known for his calm nature, excellent batting and consistent performances and left behind a legacy that will be remembered for a long time. The 35-year-old finished his career as the highest run-scorer for New Zealand in international cricket. He scored 19,346 runs in 378 matches and scored 48 centuries, making him one of New Zealand’s greatest ever players.
Williamson’s final Test came against England at Lord’s. It was not the ending he wanted, as he scored 0 in the first innings and 18 in the second, as New Zealand lost the match by 115 runs against New Zealand at Lord’s.
He led New Zealand to the 2019 ODI World Cup final at Lord’s, losing the trophy to England on the famous boundary-count rule. Williamson also won the ICC World Test Championship for New Zealand. Currently, Tom Latham is leading the Kiwi team on the England tour.
