Auckland wicketkeeper Reece Young has seen his season go from the heights to the depths in the space of a couple of weeks.
Before Christmas the 28-year-old scored a century against Northern Districts at Eden Park, his second first-class 100. Last week he broke his left ankle in
a one-day State Shield game against Canterbury at Rangiora and he will be out for the rest of the season.
Ironically, he was injured while fielding in the outfield while Gareth Hopkins kept wicket.
He came off worse in a collision with teammate Martin Guptill when both went for a catch in the 43rd over.
"Initially it was diagnosed as a sprain but when it was x-rayed back home it showed I had broken the side of the talus bone and it will need an operation," said Young as he watched the action at Eden Park on crutches and with a protective boot on his foot.
"I should be operated on next week but I'll be out for the season and it will be a matter of working on the rehab."
It is a cruel end to what was shaping up as a decisive season for Young, who has been keeping for Auckland for eight seasons.
He was challenged when Hopkins, who has a New Zealand contract, opted to move to Auckland.
"It was a tricky situation. A lot of people asked why I didn't move somewhere else.
"But I thought that if I stayed I could compete head-to-head and fight for my place."
The injury hasn't blighted Young's enthusiasm for the game and his ambition to prove himself at a higher level.
"I still love the game," he said, "and I'm looking at playing as long as I can. I still want to represent New Zealand."
