Reece Young Announces RetirementReece Young (left) appeals during one of his five Tests for New Zealand Former New Zealand international wicket-keeper Reece Young has announced his retirement from first-class cricket.
Young made his debut for the Black Caps in the first Test against Pakistan in 2011 and played the last of five Tests later that year in December when New Zealand beat Australia by 11 runs in Hobart.
Although he only managed five Test appearances, he played domestic cricket for 14 seasons, representing Auckland for all but two seasons of his his career. He moved to Canterbury where he played in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons - and gaining national recognition while doing so.
He made his debut in the 1998-99 season and retires as the most-capped Auckland cricketer (97 first-class appearances) and most successful behind the stumps (258 dismissals).
He hit eight first-class centuries and in addition to 126 first-class appearances, played 84 one-day games and 45 Twenty20 Internationals.
"I am pleased to announce my retirement from First Class cricke," Young said. "I am proud of what I have achieved and will take away many great memories.
"However, I feel the time is right to move onto new challenges and prioritise my family and a post-cricket career. It's been a privilege to have made a career in cricket for so long.
"I have been fortunate enough to represent my country and play in winning Test sides, win domestic titles with Auckland and Canterbury and have a lot of fun along the way.
"I'd like to thank my wife and family for all their support over the past 14 years playing professional cricket. At times it hasn't been easy so thank you for sticking by me.
"I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career, starting when I first made age group teams for Auckland.
"The decision to finish my cricket career has come from a desire to focus on my family and career opportunities outside of cricket. I have been fortunate to gain some experience in recent months with Triumph & Disaster, a fast-growing company I’m excited to be involved with.
"I have also been fortunate to work over the past four to five years with the Players Association’s careers programme, building my experiences outside of cricket and learning business skills.
"This has helped me gain skills and experience and given me confidence to move away from cricket and into a post-cricket career."
© Cricket World 2013
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