A complete look at Craig Young career stats highlights one of the most reliable and skiddy fast-medium pace bowlers in modern European cricket. Over the past decade, the Irish pacer has developed from a promising young talent into a senior strike weapon for Ireland across all three international formats.
Known for his ability to hit a hard length, generate seam movement with the new ball, and bowl smart variations in the death overs, Young remains a pillar of Ireland’s bowling attack and domestic cricket.
Who is Craig Young
Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, Craig Alexander Young represented Ireland at the Under-19 level before earning early professional experience with Sussex in English county cricket. Since making his senior international debut in 2014, he has become a regular fixture in Ireland’s pace unit.
- Full Name: Craig Alexander Young
- Date of Birth: 4 April 1990 (Derry, Northern Ireland)
- Role: Right-arm fast-medium bowler
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- International Teams: Ireland, Ireland Wolves, Ireland U19
- Major Domestic & Franchise Teams: North West Warriors, Sussex, Dublin Guardians
Craig Young Career Stats: International & Domestic Overview
Young’s international numbers reflect a proven track record of taking crucial top-order breakthroughs and maintaining tight lines during middle overs.
International Bowling Career Summary
| Format | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowling Avg | Economy | Strike Rate | 5w Hauls |
| Test Matches | 4 | 7 | 8 | 3/24 | 30.25 | 3.24 | 56.00 | 0 |
| ODIs | 48 | 45 | 81 | 5/46 | 25.85 | 5.46 | 28.40 | 1 |
| T20Is | 73 | 71 | 87 | 4/13 | 22.24 | 8.12 | 16.43 | 0 |
| First-Class | 24 | 33 | 77 | 5/37 | 26.14 | 3.58 | 43.03 | 2 |
| Overall T20s | 112 | 110 | 143 | 5/15 | 21.15 | 8.10 | 15.65 | 2 |
International Batting Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Batting Avg | Strike Rate |
| Test | 4 | 7 | 17 | 6* | 5.66 | 32.69 |
| ODI | 48 | 26 | 166 | 40* | 13.83 | 77.20 |
| T20I | 73 | 28 | 82 | 22 | 6.83 | 88.17 |
Craig Young Career Stats: Major Records & Career Milestones
- Historic ODI Debut Five-for: Young became only the 9th bowler in men’s ODI cricket history to claim a 5-wicket haul on debut (5/46 against Scotland in September 2014).
- Leading T20I Strike Bowler: With 87 T20I wickets, he ranks among Ireland’s all-time top wicket-takers in the shortest format.
- Multi-Format Versatility: Earned his Test cap against Afghanistan in early 2024, providing control and claiming 8 Test wickets at a low economy rate of 3.24.
- Domestic Dominance: He has picked up multiple five-wicket bags for the North West Warriors in both First-Class and domestic T20 competitions.
Role, Team, and Importance in the European T20 Premier League
The launch of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) brings continental franchise cricket into high focus. Craig Young plays an essential role in this tournament.
- Franchise & Selection: Young represents the Dublin Guardians, drafted as a core domestic frontline fast bowler.
- Tactical Role: He serves as the primary new-ball bowler and powerplay enforcer, using seam movement in early overs while delivering hard cutters at the death.
- Leadership & Local Knowledge: His familiarity with Irish pitches, windy weather conditions, and pitch maintenance makes him a vital anchor for overseas stars and young emerging associates.
- Why He Is Crucial: In high-scoring franchise formats, having a home-grown bowler with over a decade of international experience gives the Dublin Guardians stability and wicket-taking threat without burning overseas squad slots.
Recent Form & 2026 Updates
Throughout the 2025–2026 cricket calendar, Young has continued to be a dependable match-winner:
- Inter-Provincial Consistency: Featured regularly for North West Warriors, picking up crucial multi-wicket hauls in both the 50-over Cup and T20 Trophy.
- International Duties: Delivered steady spells during Ireland’s fixtures against Test-playing and European opponents, including a sharp spell against Italy in Dubai.
- Death Bowling Execution: Improved his yorker accuracy and slower-ball variations, keeping his overall T20 economy around 8.10.
Conclusion
Analyzing the overall Craig Young career stats demonstrates his lasting value as a premier fast bowler for Ireland and European franchise leagues. From capturing a memorable five-wicket haul on debut to leading the pace attack for the Dublin Guardians, his discipline and wicket-taking ability make him a bowler fans across Europe and India continue to watch closely.
FAQs
What are Craig Young’s best bowling figures in ODIs?
Craig Young’s best bowling figures in ODIs are 5 for 46, achieved on his ODI debut against Scotland in September 2014.
Which team does Craig Young play for in the European T20 Premier League? Craig Young plays for the Dublin Guardians franchise in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL).
How many international wickets does Craig Young have?
Craig Young has taken over 175 international wickets for Ireland across Tests (8), ODIs (81), and T20Is (87).
What bowling style does Craig Young bowl?
Craig Young is a right-arm fast-medium pace bowler known for extracting seam and steep bounce.
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