The classy Central Districts right-hander has been cast in the understudy role for a good portion of his career.
He was unable to force his way into a side that included the likes of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor.
Young had to wait for opportunities and they came in dribs and drabs, particularly at test level. He has played 23 tests since making his debut in 2020, and has often had to bat out of position.
The 33-year-old has not been able to carve out a regular spot in the T20 side either, playing 20 times since March 2021.
But he has forged a decent ODI career. He has scored 1855 runs at an average of 35.67, including four centuries, in 57 games.
In another era, Young could arguably have played a lot more international cricket.
But he did bring up the significant milestone of 100 international appearances for New Zealand in the second ODI against Bangladesh in Dhaka earlier this week.
‘‘I think you dream of doing that, but making that happen is another thing,’’ Young said.
‘‘So yeah, I’m really, really proud of bringing up 100 games with a fern on my chest.
‘‘I’ve received a few nice messages and had a chance to have a little bit of reflection, but at the same time, there’s another game coming around the corner and a series to hopefully win here in Bangladesh.’’
The ODI series against Bangladesh has perhaps not left everyone gripped back home in New Zealand.
But the series is tied 1-1. The decider starts today at 5pm (NZ time).
The Black Caps won the opening game by 26 runs, but batted poorly in the second and lost by six wickets.
‘‘It’s been a really interesting tour,’’ Young said.
‘‘Bangladesh are obviously a really, really strong side in their own conditions and they’ve proved that.
‘‘It was great to get the win at the first one there, but I think Bangladesh really showed the courage they’ve got as a side to bounce back and they played really well in the second ODI, which sets up a nice finish here in Chittagong.’’
Young is due. He notched 30 runs in the opener but got a scorching bouncer from Nahi Rana in the second and guided a catch to backward point.
Young’s provincial team-mate, Jayden Lennox, was the best of the New Zealand bowlers in the second ODI, and Young was thrilled for the
left-arm spinner, who has
made a positive start to his fledgling international career in the absence of regular left-armer and captain Mitchell Santner.
‘‘Jayden’s had a great start to this series and ... a great start to his ODI career in India not too long ago.
‘‘He’s a pretty unflappable guy and he’s very consistent with what he does on and off the field, so it’s no real surprise here to me that he’s taken to ODI cricket like a duck to water.’’
