Ross Taylor is welcoming the selection headache facing Blackcaps selectors on the upcoming tour of England, thanks to the hot form of Central Districts teammate Will Young.
Playing as an overseas player for English first-class side Durham, Young has scored two centuries in his last two matches in the County Championship, making 103 against Worcestershire and 124 against Warwickshire.
But Young's form will prove to be problematic - albeit a great problem for the Blackcaps, putting his hand up for a spot in an already crowded top order.
Captain Kane Williamson, opener Tom Latham and middle order batsmen Taylor and Henry Nicholls are almost guaranteed to play in the two test series against England and World Test Championship final against India.
That leaves a spot as Latham's opening partner, or a potential spot at No.6 should selectors opt to play one less bowler.
Young, Devon Conway and incumbent opener Tom Blundell would theoretically be the players at the front of the queue for any available spots in the New Zealand batting order.
But while those questions are yet to be answered, Taylor says that he's thrilled with seeing what Central Stags teammate Young has achieved.
"It's nice to see these guys get an opportunity to play county cricket," Taylor says
"I guess before the IPL, county cricket was sort of where you cut your teeth and learned your craft.
"The way Will has gone over there and got two first class hundreds, I sent him a message last night and said well one. I'm sure he'll be looking forward to joining the team in a few days.
"I guess it just adds another different dimension to the team. I'm sure Steady [coach Gary Stead] and Kane will have an idea of what their team is, but this puts another spanner in the works.
"I'm sure Will's there or thereabouts. It's a nice place to be."
The Blackcaps tour of England begins with an intra-squad warm-up match in Somerset on May 25, before two tests at Lord's on June 2 and Edgbaston on June 10, in preparation for the World Test Championship final against India in Southampton beginning on June 18.
