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New Zealand has wasted no time in filling the huge gap left by Kane Williamson, who announced his retirement from international cricket on June 12. The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially brought in Will Young for the remaining two Test matches against England.
With Kane Williamson who received emotional tribute from Virat Kohli no longer available, all eyes will now be on Young as he joins the squad at an important 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 big Test squad change for England series
On Saturday, June 13, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Will Young will travel to England on Sunday, 14 June, as Kane Williamson’s replacement. Young will join the rest of the squad and begin training from 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, 17 June, and New Zealand will be hoping Young can make a valuable contribution against England.
NZC confirmed handing Test recall to Will Young
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter): “Blackcaps and Central Stags batter Will Young has been called into the Test squad in place of Kane Williamson for the remaining two Test matches against England. Young will arrive in England on Sunday, 14 June, and will train with the side from Monday ahead of the second Test at The Oval, starting on Wednesday, 17 June.”
Will Young has already played 23 Test matches and scored 1215 runs at an average of 31.97 and strike rate of 46.83 with the help of 11 fifties for New Zealand. The right-handed batter last played a Test in December last year against the West Indies.
A big welcome to Will Young, who joins the squad tomorrow as the team continues their prep for the second test against England starting this Wednesday 17 June.#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/Hd0EWsNPKi
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 13, 2026
Kane Williamson bids farewell to International Cricket
Earlier, Kane Williamson had retired from international cricket, bringing the curtains down on a memorable 16-year career with New Zealand. It was a surprising call, especially with the three-match Test series in England still going on.
Williamson was known for his calm nature, classy batting and consistent performances, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for a long time. The 35-year-old finished his career as New Zealand's highest run-scorer in international cricket. He scored 19,346 runs in 378 matches and hit 48 centuries, making him one of the greatest players New Zealand has ever produced.
Williamson's final test came against England at Lord's. It was not the ending he would have wanted, as he scored 0 in the first innings and 18 in the second, with New Zealand losing the game by 115 runs against New Zealand at Lord’s.
He also 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 Kiwis on the England tour.
