At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the first Test of the three-match series between India and New Zealand is presently in progress. In the first session of play on the second day, New Zealand spinners dismissed six Indian batsmen for a mere 34 runs in 23.5 overs.
Three wickets were claimed by William O’Rourke, while Matt Henry sent two Indian batsmen back to the pavilion. Tim Southee, a former captain and experienced bowler, also claimed one wicket. He was really the first to take a wicket. He got rid of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma after 16 balls, scoring only 2 runs.
On February 13, 2024, at Seddon Park, O’Rourke made his Test debut against South Africa. He was the most outstanding Kiwi pacer of the first session. After dismissing Virat Kohli for a nine-ball duck to start his innings, he removed Yashasvi Jaiswal (13 runs from 63 balls). On the fifth delivery of the twenty-first over, Ajaz Patel successfully caught Jaiswal, while Glenn Phillips caught Kohli.
KL Like Kohli, Rahul failed to open his account when he stepped out to bat for the hosts at No. 6 and was caught by Tom Blundell on the fourth delivery of the 23rd over.
O’Rourke was born in London on August 6, 2001, and has represented the Black Caps in five Test matches, three ODIs, and three T20Is so far. Against Bangladesh in December of last year, he made his debut for the Kiwis on the international scene during the home series.
On December 17, 2023, at Dunedin, he played in his maiden ODI encounter and took one wicket for 35 runs in five overs. In the three ODIs he has so far played, he has removed five hitters.
O’Rourke received the opportunity to play Tests after participating in three ODIs against Bangladesh. In his first game, against South Africa in Hamilton, he claimed a total of nine (4+5) wickets. His performance in the first Test match against Sri Lanka also left everyone pleased. The right-arm pacer in the game at Galle International Stadium struck out eight (5+3) batsmen. In five Test matches, he has claimed a total of 22 wickets.
In three Twenty20 Internationals against Pakistan in April 2024, the youthful player claimed four wickets.
