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William O’Rourke‘s outstanding performance in the first Test against India in Bengaluru has propelled him into the spotlight of international cricket. In just 12 overs for New Zealand, the 23-year-old pacer claimed four critical wickets, playing a key role in bowling out India for an astonishing 46, their lowest-ever total at home.
William O’Rourke’s dominance in the Test Match Against India
O’Rourke’s ability to exploit Bengaluru’s overcast conditions allowed him to dismiss some of India’s top batters, including Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, all of whom he removed for low scores. Kohli and Rahul, in particular, were sent back for ducks, marking a rare event in Indian cricket history where both senior players failed to score. O’Rourke’s lethal combination of bounce, pace, and precision was pivotal in reducing India to 33/5 in the first session, turning the match in New Zealand’s favour. In this spell, O’Rourke showcased his impeccable control and ability to maintain pressure on the Indian batters. His figures of 4/22 in 12 overs included six maidens, underlining his dominance in challenging conditions.
Impressive Test figures and wickets for New Zealand
This performance marked his second four-wicket haul in Test cricket, further bolstering his reputation as a promising fast bowler for New Zealand. Having dismissed the likes of Kohli, Rahul, and Jaiswal, he demonstrated his wicket-taking abilities and his skill in dismissing the opposition’s key players in crucial moments. His early wickets dismantled India’s top order and paved the way for a memorable collapse.
O’Rourke’s performance in Bengaluru also contributed to his impressive Test statistics. He now boasts 23 wickets in just five Tests at an average of 17.30, a remarkable feat for a young bowler. Additionally, he has taken two five-wicket hauls, proving his ability to run through batting lineups. Notably, 12 of his Test wickets have come in Asia, indicating that his skills are effective even in subcontinental conditions, which are often challenging for fast bowlers.
Also READ: Netizens in shock as New Zealand packs India for their lowest-ever total at home on Day 2 of Bengaluru Test
Here are some intriguing facts about emerging talent William O’Rourke :
1. Early Life and Background: A Family Legacy in Cricket
William Peter O’Rourke was born on August 6, 2001, in Kingston upon Thames, London. His early life in England played a crucial role in shaping his passion for cricket. His family, steeped in the sport, influenced his budding career from the start. His father, Patrick O’Rourke, played domestic cricket for Wellington between 1989 and 1992, and his uncle, Matthew O’Rourke, also had a brief stint with Auckland. Will’s father, Patrick, had a successful domestic career, playing 29 first-class matches for Wellington, where he claimed 89 wickets. The family’s cricketing lineage extends to Patrick’s brother, Matthew, who also had a brief stint in New Zealand’s domestic circuit.
At the age of five, O’Rourke’s family moved to Auckland, New Zealand, marking the beginning of his cricketing journey in the land of the Blackcaps. His upbringing in a cricket-loving household, combined with the support of his family, made O’Rourke’s passion for the game grow stronger. Despite his early years in England, his ambition was always to represent New Zealand at the highest level.
2. Rise Through the Ranks: Youth Cricket and U-19 World Cup
O’Rourke’s potential was quickly recognized in New Zealand’s domestic cricket circles. He first gained attention by representing New Zealand at the age-group level, including the 2020 U-19 Cricket World Cup. Though he had a mixed performance in the tournament, his consistent domestic displays paved the way for his rapid rise.
His domestic debut in all formats – first-class, List A, and T20 – came in the 2021/22 season, where he played for Canterbury. He soon emerged as a standout player, topping the wicket-taking charts in the Ford Trophy and Super Smash tournaments. A highlight of his domestic career was his remarkable spell of 6/20 against Otago in a Ford Trophy match, the second-best bowling figures by a Canterbury player in List A cricket. This performance reinforced his growing reputation as a force to be reckoned with in New Zealand cricket.
3. International Debut and Breakthrough
In December 2023, O’Rourke earned his first international call-up for New Zealand’s ODI series against Bangladesh. He made his debut on December 17, 2023, in Dhaka, making history as the first England-born cricketer to represent New Zealand since Roger Twose in the 1990s. His second ODI saw him grab the spotlight with figures of 3/47, an early sign of his talent at the international level.
Following his successful ODI debut, O’Rourke was included in New Zealand’s Test squad in February 2024. His Test debut was nothing short of spectacular. Facing South Africa, O’Rourke delivered a historic performance, recording 9/93 in the match – breaking records for the best match figures by a New Zealand bowler on Test debut. His ability to take a five-wicket haul in the second innings cemented his place as a key player in New Zealand’s Test lineup.
4. Playing Style and Skills
O’Rourke’s imposing height at 6’4″, combined with his ability to consistently bowl at speeds above 140 km/h makes him a formidable force on the pitch. His bowling is marked by the extra bounce he can generate, along with his natural swing, both of which pose significant challenges for batters. O’Rourke’s versatility allows him to excel in different conditions, particularly in Asia, where he has already taken 12 wickets in Test matches. His bowling style has often drawn comparisons to fellow New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson, with whom O’Rourke has worked closely to develop his skills. The combination of pace, bounce, and swing makes him a dangerous option in both the longer and shorter formats of the game.
5. Disappointment and Motivation: The IPL Snub
Despite his rapid rise, O’Rourke faced a significant setback during the IPL mini-auction 2024. He went unsold despite a base price of Rs lakh, a snub that shocked many given his recent performances. However, this disappointment only fueled his desire to improve and prove his worth in the limited-overs format. With his undeniable talent, O’Rourke is likely to be a hot commodity in future IPL auctions, especially as he continues to establish himself as a versatile player.
