WELLINGTON: Batsman Will Young was drafted into the New Zealand Test squad on Saturday in place of Kane Williamson, who called time on his international career mid-series against England.

Young will arrive in London on Sunday and join the squad ahead of the second Test at the Oval from Wednesday, Cricket New Zealand said.

Williamson, New Zealand’s most prolific run-scorer, stunned the cricketing world with his retirement announcement on Friday ahead of the second Test.

The 35-year-old former skipper, who played in the first England Test, said that “it just feels like the right time for me to step away”.

“I feel really good about it,” said Williamson, one of the ‘Fab Four’ batsmen of his generation alongside India’s Virat Kohli, Australia’s Steve Smith and England’s Joe Root.

His decision sparked a slew of praise from some of the leading lights of the game.

“From an opponent to a friend over the years,” Kohli said of Williamson. “It’s been a pleasure watching you bat and compete against you over so many years but more than that I value our friendship and shared perspectives on the game and beyond.”

Fellow Indian great Sachin Tendulkar was equally effusive.

“A thorough gentleman and a true role model for youngsters,” Tendulkar said. “His retirement will probably be received with unexpected relief in more than a few bowling camps.”

Young has played 23 Tests but is yet to score a century, with a highest score of 89.

England lead the three-Test series 1-0 after winning the opener at Lord’s by 115 runs.

Meanwhile, England called up uncapped seam bowler Henry Crocombe ahead of the second Test against New Zealand.

Crocombe will serve as cover for Ollie Robinson, who experienced knee soreness after a training session on Friday and is set to undergo a precautionary scan. The 24-year-old impressed for England Lions recently, taking four wickets in the against South Africa A at Beckenham in May.

England’s fast-bowling options have been depleted because of the absence of Gus Atkinson. He was left out for the second Test, along with England captain Ben Stokes, after breaking the team’s midnight curfew following the first Test win over the Black Caps.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2026