Ireland v England T20I series: Craig Young back in action after ‘long road to recovery’

Young believes Ireland can overcome England on Friday if they can replicate their batting display in the first encounter between the teams and perform well with the ball.

“I don’t think conditions played a massive part [on Wednesday] – the wicket was on the slower side, but we are familiar with that,” he said.

“There wasn’t much nip or swing for us, but hopefully there’s still a bit in the track for Friday to help particularly our seamers.

“We all know how good England are, but we will back ourselves. Our batters were brilliant on Wednesday, and hopefully they can come again and we as bowlers back them up and we can get out on the right side of a result.”

Young revealed that he “didn’t look at the scoreboard” when he was introduced to the home side’s attack as their fourth bowler with England sitting at 52-0.

“I just wanted to get started and into my work,” he said.

“We knew they would come out swinging at everything – and they did, and did it well.

“We had our plans, and I felt we stuck to them as best we could, but it was a challenge, that’s for sure.”

The right-handed bowler is Ireland’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is and says he in enamored with the format.

“T20 cricket has possibly grown to be my favourite format. I love Test cricket – when it comes along there is a huge spike in workload to try and get the overs under the belt, but nothing apart from playing can get you used to a day in the field and bowling in spells,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say I particularly enjoyed T20 at the start of my career, but when Gary Wilson became captain he really supported me and gave me a good run – and, in particular, I felt he backed me and gave me confidence in that he wanted me and needed me in the team. I never really looked back after that.

“With T20Is, for me it really comes down to trying to keep it simple and understanding ‘the nature of the beast’. Some days you can bowl well and get no wickets, and vice versa, but it’s just about trying to be consistent and embracing it all.”