Interesting facts about William O’Rourke: From IPL rejection to sacking Virat Kohli for a duck

William O’RourkeOutstanding performance in the first Test against him India in Bengaluru brought him to the fore in international cricket. In just 12 overs for New Zealand, the 23-year-old pacer claimed four crucial wickets, playing a key role in bowling India out by 46 runs, their lowest price at home.

William O’Rourke’s dominance in the Test match against India

O’Rourke’s ability to exploit Bengaluru’s changing conditions allowed him to dismiss some of India’s top batsmen, including Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal again KL Rahulremove all of them to get a low score. Kohli and Rahul, in particular, were sent back for ducks, marking a rare occasion in Indian cricket history where both senior players failed to score. O’Rourke’s lethal combination of bounce, pace, and accuracy was crucial in reducing India to 33/5 in the first session, swinging the game in New Zealand’s favour. In this spell, O’Rourke showed his good control and ability to maintain pressure on the Indian batsmen. His figures of 4/22 in 12 overs included six maidens, underlining his dominance in difficult situations.

Amazing Test scores and wickets in New Zealand

This performance marked his second four-wicket haul in Test cricket, further cementing his reputation as New Zealand’s promising fast bowler. Having dismissed the likes of Kohli, Rahul, and Jaiswal, he has shown his wicket-taking skills and his ability to dismiss the team’s key players at 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 figures. He now has 23 wickets in just five Tests at an average of 17.30, which is a remarkable feat for a young bowler. Additionally, he has taken two five-wicket hauls, proving his ability to run between the batsmen. Notably, 12 of his Test wickets have come in Asia, showing that his skills work well even in subcontinental conditions, which are often difficult for fast bowlers.

READ MORE: Netizens shocked as New Zealand pack India’s lowest total at home on Day 2 of Bengaluru Test

Here are some interesting facts about emerging talent William O’Rourke:

1. Early Life and Later: 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 an important role in shaping his love for cricket. His family, deeply involved in the sport, influenced his budding career from the start. his father, Patrick O’Rourkeplayed domestic cricket for Wellington between 1989 and 1992, along with his uncle, Matthew O’Rourkeand had a short stint with Auckland. Will’s father, Patrick, had a successful domestic career, playing 29 first-class matches for Wellington, where he took 89 wickets. The family’s cricketing lineage runs through Patrick’s brother, Matthew, who also had a spell in his home state of New Zealand.

When he was five, O’Rourke’s family moved there Auckland, New Zealand, marking the start of his cricket journey in the country of the Blackcaps. Growing up in a cricket-loving family, combined with the support of his family, made O’Rourke’s love for the game stronger. Despite his early years in England, his desire was to represent New Zealand at the highest level.

2. Climb the Ranks: Youth Cricket and the 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 age group level, including 2020 U-19 Cricket World Cup. Although he had mixed performances in the tournament, his consistent domestic displays paved the way for his rapid rise.

His first domestic game in all formats – first class, List A, and T20 – came in the 2021/22 season, where he played. Canterbury. He quickly emerged as a standout player, topping the list of wicket takers The Ford Trophy again Super Smash competitions. The highlight of his domestic career was his impressive spell of 6/20 against it Otago in the Ford Trophy match, the best bowling figures for a Canterbury player in List A cricket. This performance cemented his growing reputation as a force to be reckoned with in New Zealand cricket.

3. International Debut and Success

In December 2023, O’Rourke received his first international call-up for the ODI series against New Zealand. Bangladesh. He made his debut on December 17, 2023, in Dhaka, making history as the first English-born cricketer to represent New Zealand since. Roger Twose in the 1990s. His second ODI saw him take center stage with figures of 3/47, the first sign of his talent at international level.

Following his first ODI success, O’Rourke was included in New Zealand’s Test squad in February 2024. His Test debut was quite impressive. Face to face South AfricaO’Rourke produced 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 five wickets in the second innings cemented his place as a key player in New Zealand’s Test list.

4. Playing Style and Skills

O’Rourke’s rise to 6’4″combined with his ability to consistently throw the ball at above speed 140 km/h it makes him a great force on the field. His bowling is characterized by the extra bounce he can create, and his natural swing, both of which pose great challenges to batsmen. O’Rourke’s versatility allows him to excel in different situations, especially in Asia, where he has already taken over. 12 wickets in Test matches. His style of bowling is often compared to the New Zealand fast Kyle JamiesonO’Rourke worked closely with him to develop his skills. The combination of pace, bounce, and swing makes him a dangerous option in both the long and short formats of the game.

5. Disappointment and Inspiration: The IPL Snub

Despite his rapid rise, O’Rourke suffered a major setback during the game IPL mini-auction 2024. He was not sold despite the base price Lakh Rsa stigma that shocked many considering his recent performances. However, this disappointment 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 the upcoming IPL auctions, especially as he continues to prove himself as a versatile player.

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