Will Young could be NZ's next test No.5

Remember the name Will Young.

Central Districts' cricketer of the year is poised to be New Zealand's next test No.5 when captain Brendon McCullum retires.

If the 22-year-old sustains last year's Plunket Shield form, when he scored 909 runs at an average of 53.47, expect his elevation to cricket's premier format.

Young is under close scrutiny in the New Zealand 'A' series against their Sri Lankan counterparts, particularly the two upcoming four-dayers.

He has spent the northern hemisphere summer playing at the Bristol Cricket Club, and spent time with the New Zealand team during the England tour, notably carrying the drinks during the four-day fixture against Somerset. He was placed on stand-by for the second test against England at Headingley. Injured keeper B-J Watling eventually played as a specialist batsman.

The right-hander exudes elegance at the crease. Using a raised bat-lift, he leans into shots with soft hands to produce orthodox strokes.

After making his first-class debut at the end of the 2011-12 season, the former New Zealand under-19s captain has spent three years, and a 2013-14 dip to an average of 27.94, refining his craft. In 29 first-class matches he averages 39.73.

If there's an area in which he can prove he's test ready this season, it will be boosting his conversion rates from first-class 50s (11) to 100s (2).

"Getting selected in the [New Zealand] 'A's off the back of a strong domestic season is a thrill," Young told the Herald on Sunday. "Without getting ahead of myself, I want to repeat the hard work that made that happen. It's exciting to know you're on the radar."

In England, Young achieved some of the progress he was after.

"Being by myself over here was a new challenge, but the club was great to deal with. Going over as their professional meant there was an expectation to win games. I'd ask that question of myself every game.

"I scored around 600 Saturday league runs at [an average of] 40, which was alright without setting the league on fire but some innings were match-changing performances, which was pleasing. If I could bring that skill to the teams I play for in New Zealand that would be a massive boost to my game."

Young has previously sought innovative ways to improve. In 2013, he was concerned his technique against spin bowling was suspect. He invested in a return ticket to India for three weeks, with a trio of fellow Taranaki players, to work on his sweep shot, use the depth of the crease better and help combat the doosra and the wrong 'un by watching the ball out of the hand."

Young also completed a Bachelor of Science mid-year, majoring in geology, and travelled outside cricket-centric countries. He went to France, Spain and Hungary. The latter was for the Sziget music festival in Budapest on an island in the Danube.

"I camped out with 30-40 mutual Kiwi friends for three days before returning to my club."

It was a chance well seized. Future travel opportunities outside cricket tours might become rare in the coming years.