New Zealand’s latest fast-bowling sensation, William O’Rourke, is making waves in the cricket world, especially after his impressive performance against India. At just 23 years old, O’Rourke stunned Indian cricket fans by dismissing star batsman Virat Kohli in the first over of his debut match in India, played in Bengaluru. The tall, 6 feet 4 inches bowler, who made his international debut in 2023, has quickly gained attention for his skill, control, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Kohli Falls to O’Rourke in Bengaluru
In his very first over against India, O’Rourke bowled a lethal delivery that sent shockwaves through the Indian batting line-up. Kohli, one of the world’s best batsmen, was caught off guard by O’Rourke’s pace and bounce. After a series of carefully placed deliveries outside the off stump, O’Rourke unleashed a short, sharp ball aimed at Kohli’s body. The unexpected movement caused Kohli to misjudge the ball, which struck his gloves and flew straight to the leg-slip fielder. This wicket set the tone for O’Rourke’s dominant spell, where he also took the wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah, ending with figures of 4 for 22 from 12 overs, including 6 maiden overs.
While he missed out on a five-wicket haul, O’Rourke’s performance was enough to make a lasting impact. His disciplined bowling not only dismantled the Indian batting order but also introduced him as a key player to watch in future matches.
A Strong Cricketing Heritage
O’Rourke’s rise in cricket is no surprise, as the sport runs in his family. His father, Patrick O’Rourke, was also a fast bowler, playing domestic cricket for Wellington in New Zealand from 1989 to 1993. O’Rourke’s uncle also played first-class cricket. Despite their efforts, neither of them achieved international success, but their love for the game passed down to William.
Interestingly, William O’Rourke was not born in New Zealand. His parents moved to London after struggling to build successful cricketing careers. It was here in 2001 that O’Rourke was born. After spending five years in the UK, his family moved back to New Zealand, where young William began to seriously pursue cricket, following in his father’s footsteps.
Learning From the Best: Jamieson’s Influence
After impressing in age-group cricket, including being a part of the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, O’Rourke’s professional career took off in 2021 when he debuted for Canterbury in New Zealand’s domestic competitions. It was during this time that O’Rourke had the opportunity to work alongside towering fast bowler Kyle Jamieson, who stands at 6 feet 8 inches. Jamieson, a well-established name in world cricket, took O’Rourke under his wing, helping him refine his bowling technique, particularly in utilizing his height to generate extra bounce and pace.
This mentorship proved invaluable as O’Rourke quickly rose through the ranks. In December 2023, he made his ODI debut, followed by a Test debut in February 2024, where he made headlines by taking 9 wickets in his first match against South Africa – a record-breaking performance for a New Zealand debutant. His T20 debut came in April 2024, completing his entry into all formats of the game.
Impressive Debut Series in India
William O’Rourke’s recent tour of India has solidified his reputation as a rising star. His ability to extract bounce from the pitch and maintain a disciplined line and length makes him a difficult bowler to face, particularly for batsmen not accustomed to his pace. In the Bengaluru Test, he took four key wickets, including some of India’s most experienced players. His 6 maidens in just 12 overs highlight his control and ability to build pressure on the opposition.
A Bright Future Ahead
O’Rourke’s journey from a young cricketer in New Zealand to a bowler dominating some of the best batsmen in the world is a testament to his hard work and natural talent. With his family’s cricketing history behind him, combined with the guidance of experienced players like Jamieson, O’Rourke is well on his way to becoming a key figure in New Zealand’s bowling attack.
At only 23 years old, O’Rourke has already achieved significant milestones in his career, and his debut series in India suggests that he is poised for even greater success in the future. With a combination of speed, bounce, and intelligence, William O’Rourke is a name that cricket fans will hear a lot more about in the coming years.
