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{{Short description|New Zealand cricketer (born 2001)}}
{{good article}}
{{lead too short|date=October 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox cricketer
| name = Will O'Rourke
| image = 2 14 Will O'Rourke mugshot.jpg
| caption = O'Rourke playing for Yorkshire in 2025
| full_name = William Peter O'Rourke
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2001|8|6|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Kingston upon Thames]], London, England
| heightm = 1.97
| batting = Right-handed
| bowling = Right-arm [[Fast bowling|fast]]
| role = [[Bowling (cricket)|Bowler]]
| family = {{ubl|[[Paddy O'Rourke (cricketer)|Paddy O'Rourke]] (father)|[[Matthew O'Rourke]] (uncle)}}

| international = true
| country = New Zealand
| internationalspan = 2023–present
| testdebutdate = 13 February
| testdebutyear = 2024
| testdebutagainst = South Africa
| testcap = 286
| lasttestdate = 25 June
| lasttestyear = 2026
| lasttestagainst = England

| odidebutdate = 17 December
| odidebutyear = 2023
| odidebutagainst = Bangladesh
| odicap = 214
| lastodidate = 23 April
| lastodiyear = 2026
| lastodiagainst = Bangladesh
| odishirt = 2

| T20Idebutdate = 21 April
| T20Idebutyear = 2024
| T20Idebutagainst = Pakistan
| T20Icap = 103
| lastT20Idate = 24 July
| lastT20Iyear = 2025
| lastT20Iagainst = Zimbabwe
| T20Ishirt = 2

| club1 = [[Canterbury cricket team|Canterbury]]
| year1 = {{nowrap|2021/22–present}}
| club2 = [[Lucknow Super Giants]]
| year2 = {{nowrap|2025}}
| club3 = [[Yorkshire County Cricket Club|Yorkshire]]
| year3 = 2025

| columns = 4
| column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]]
| matches1 = 14
| runs1 = 38
| bat avg1 = 3.80
| 100s/50s1 = 0/0
| top score1 = 5[[Not out|*]]
| deliveries1 = 2,047
| wickets1 = 49
| bowl avg1 = 24.55
| fivefor1 = 2
| tenfor1 = 0
| best bowling1 = 5/34
| catches/stumpings1 = 6/–

| column2 = [[One Day International|ODI]]
| matches2 = 20
| runs2 = 13
| bat avg2 = 3.25
| 100s/50s2 = 0/0
| top score2 = 6
| deliveries2 = 982
| wickets2 = 27
| bowl avg2 = 34.14
| fivefor2 = 0
| tenfor2 = 0
| best bowling2 = 4/43
| catches/stumpings2 = 4/–

| column3 = [[Twenty20 International|T20I]]
| matches3 = 7
| runs3 = 0
| bat avg3 = 0.00
| 100s/50s3 = 0/0
| top score3 = 0
| deliveries3 = 162
| wickets3 = 7
| bowl avg3 = 26.85
| fivefor3 = 0
| tenfor3 = 0
| best bowling3 = 3/27
| catches/stumpings3 = 1/–

| column4 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
| matches4 = 31
| runs4 = 106
| bat avg4 = 6.23
| 100s/50s4 = 0/0
| top score4 = 17[[Not Out|*]]
| deliveries4 = 5,088
| wickets4 = 106
| bowl avg4 = 26.53
| fivefor4 = 2
| tenfor4 = 0
| best bowling4 = 5/34
| catches/stumpings4 = 12/–

| source = https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/william-o-rourke-1211825 ESPNcricinfo
| date = 29 June
| year = 2026
| medaltemplates = 
{{MedalSport|Men's [[Cricket]]}}
{{MedalCountry |{{NZ}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[ICC Champions Trophy]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2025 ICC Champions Trophy|2025 Pakistan]]|}}}}

''' William Peter O'Rourke''' (born 6 August 2001) is a New Zealand professional cricket right-arm [[Fast bowling|fast bowler]] who plays for the [[New Zealand national cricket team|New Zealand national team]] and [[Canterbury cricket team|Canterbury]]. He made his senior international debut in 2023.

==Early and personal life==
O'Rourke was born at [[Kingston upon Thames]] in London in 2001.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/2198/2198575/2198575.html | title=Profile: Will O'Rourke | website=CricketArchive | accessdate=10 April 2023 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> His father, [[Paddy O'Rourke (cricketer)|Paddy O'Rourke]], played as a fast bowler for [[Wellington cricket team|Wellington]] between the 1989–90 and 1991–92 seasons and his uncle, [[Matthew O'Rourke]], played a single senior match for [[Auckland cricket team|Auckland]] in 1991–92.<ref name=ci14dec23>{{Cite web |last=Deivarayan |first=Muthu |title=Meet Will O'Rourke, New Zealand's Kyle Jamieson clone |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/nz-vs-ban-meet-will-o-rourke-new-zealand-s-kyle-jamieson-clone-1412840 |date=14 December 2003 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Egan |first=Brendon |title='Newborn giraffe' to budding Black Caps star: The rise of Will O'Rourke |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/350190774/newborn-giraffe-budding-black-caps-star-rise-will-orourke |date=23 February 2024 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=The Post}}</ref> The family had moved to England before O'Rourke's birth and, when he was around five years old, moved back to New Zealand, settling in [[Auckland]].<ref name=ci14dec23/><ref>{{Cite web |last=George |first=Zoë |title=New Black Caps seamer Will O'Rourke hoping to reach great heights this summer |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/301022764/new-black-caps-seamer-will-orourke-hoping-to-reach-great-heights-this-summer |date=7 December 2023 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] }}</ref> He played cricket from a young age and made appearances for Auckland age-group sides from the 2017–18 season until 2019–20<ref name="teams">{{cite web | url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/2198/2198575/all_teams.html | title=Teams which Will O'Rourke played for.. | website=CricketArchive | accessdate=10 April 2023 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> before moving to the South Island to study at the [[University of Canterbury]].<ref name=cant>{{cite web | url=https://www.canterburycricket.org.nz/players/will-orourke/ | title=Will O'Rourke | publisher=Canterbury Cricket | accessdate=10 April 2023}}</ref>

==Early career==
In December 2019, O'Rourke was named in New Zealand's squad for the [[2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Wiseman's warning: Tough challenge ahead for U19s |url=https://www.nzc.nz/news-items/wiseman-s-warning-tough-challenge-ahead-for-u19s |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212061507/https://www.nzc.nz/news-items/wiseman-s-warning-tough-challenge-ahead-for-u19s |archive-date=12 December 2019 |access-date=10 April 2023 |publisher=New Zealand Cricket}}</ref> After impressing for his club side [[Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club]], he was called into the Canterbury 'A' team during the 2020–21 season,<ref name=cant/> taking 10 wickets for the side during the National Provincial A Tournament.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most Wickets {{!}} National Provincial A Tournament 2020/21 |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/34/National_Provincial_A_matches_2020-21/Bowling_by_Wickets.html |accessdate=10 April 2023 |website=CricketArchive |url-access=subscription}}</ref> In January 2021, he played two [[Twenty20]] matches for a [[New Zealand A cricket team|New Zealand XI]] against the touring [[Pakistan A cricket team|Pakistan Shaheens]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-a-in-nz-2020-21-1240846 | title=Pakistan Shaheens tour of New Zealand 2020/21 | website=ESPNcricinfo | accessdate=10 April 2023}}</ref>

==Domestic career==
After the end of the 2020–21 season, O'Rourke was awarded a first domestic contract by Canterbury Cricket.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canterburycricket.org.nz/news/orourke-earns-first-domestic-contract/ | title=O'Rourke earns first domestic contract | date=6 July 2021 | publisher=Canterbury Cricket | accessdate=10 April 2023}}</ref> He made his [[List A cricket|List A]] debut for Canterbury on 3 January 2022, playing against [[Otago cricket team|Otago]] in the [[2021–22 Ford Trophy]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/the-ford-trophy-2021-22-1279953/canterbury-vs-otago-9th-match-1279967/full-scorecard | title=9th match, Otago v Canterbury, 2021–22 Ford Trophy | website=ESPNcricinfo | accessdate=10 April 2023}}</ref> before going on to make his Twenty20 debut on 7 January against [[Auckland cricket team|Auckland]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/super-smash-2021-22-1289602/auckland-vs-canterbury-20th-match-1289624/full-scorecard | title=20th Match, Auckland v Canterbury, 2021–22 Men's Super Smash | website=ESPNcricinfo | accessdate=10 April 2023}}</ref> and his [[First-class cricket|first-class]] debut on 20 March against [[Central Districts cricket team|Central Districts]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/plunket-shield-2021-22-1279954/central-districts-vs-canterbury-18th-match-1280006/full-scorecard | title=18th match, Canterbury v Central Districts, 2021–22 Plunket Shield season | website=ESPNcricinfo | accessdate=10 April 2023}}</ref>

The following season, he was the joint-highest wicket-taker for Canterbury in the [[2022–23 Super Smash (men's cricket)|2022–23 Super Smash]] with 12 wickets from ten matches, with the team reaching the final of the competition.<ref>{{cite web |last=Deivarayan |first=Muthu | url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/super-smash-final-peter-fulton-hopes-third-time-the-charm-as-canterbury-chase-elusive-title-1358009 | title=Fulton hopes 'third time's the charm' as Canterbury chase elusive Super Smash title | website=ESPNcricinfo |date=9 February 2023 | accessdate=10 April 2023}}</ref> He was the team's leading wicket-taker in the [[2022–23 Ford Trophy]] with 13 wickets from nine matches,<ref name=ci14dec23/> including figures of 3 for 47 against Otago, helping Canterbury to qualify for the final.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Egan |first=Brendon |date= 17 February 2023|title=Chad Bowes, Leo Carter tons power Canterbury into Ford Trophy final |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/131260439/chad-bowes-leo-carter-tons-power-canterbury-into-ford-trophy-final |access-date=10 April 2023 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en}}</ref>

On 2 February 2024, he took his maiden [[five-wicket haul]] in List A cricket, against Otago in the [[2023–24 Ford Trophy]]. His [[bowling figures]] of 6 for 20 were also the second best figures by a Canterbury player in List A cricket.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The summer of Will O'Rourke continues with sizzling maiden bag |url=https://www.nzc.nz/match-reports/archive/the-summer-of-will-o-rourke-continues-with-sizzling-career-best/ |date=2 February 2024 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=NZC |language=en-US}}</ref>

== International career ==
In March 2023, O'Rourke was named in the [[New Zealand A cricket team|New Zealand A]] squad for their first-class series [[Australia A cricket team in New Zealand in 2022–23|against Australia A]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruce, Bracewell, Ajaz in NZ A squad for four-day matches against Australia A |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/tom-bruce-to-lead-strong-nz-a-squad-for-four-day-matches-against-australia-a-1364580 |date=21 March 2023 |access-date=10 April 2023 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> and in December 2023 he was called up to the [[New Zealand national cricket team|New Zealand squad]] for the first time ahead of a [[One Day International]] (ODI) series [[Bangladeshi cricket team in New Zealand in 2023–24|against Bangladesh]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ashok, Clarkson & O'Rourke called up for Bangladesh ODIs |url=https://www.nzc.nz/news-items/archive/ashok-clarkson-o-rourke-called-up-for-bangladesh-odis/ |date=7 December 2023 |access-date=23 December 2023 |website= |publisher=NZC |language=en-US}}</ref> He made his ODI debut during the series,<ref>{{Cite web |title=NZ vs BAN, Bangladesh in New Zealand 2023/24, 1st ODI at Dunedin, December 17, 2023 – Full Scorecard |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/bangladesh-in-new-zealand-2023-24-1388181/new-zealand-vs-bangladesh-1st-odi-1408102/full-scorecard |access-date=23 December 2023 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> becoming the first England-born cricketer to play for New Zealand since [[Roger Twose]] in the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Voerman |first=Andrew |title=Towering England-born seamer bolts into Black Caps ODI squad |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/black-caps/133404944/will-orourke-one-of-three-uncapped-players-in-black-caps-odi-squad-to-face-bangladesh |date=6 December 2023 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] }}</ref>

The following month, O'Rourke was called into New Zealand's [[Test cricket|Test]] squad for their series [[South African cricket team in New Zealand in 2023–24|against South Africa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=O'Rourke gets maiden Test call-up, Ravindra picked for SA Tests |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rachin-ravindra-earns-test-recall-will-o-rourke-picked-for-sa-tests-1418273 |date=26 January 2024 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> He made his Test debut on 13 February 2024 in the second match of the series,<ref>{{Cite web |title=NZ vs SA, South Africa in New Zealand 2023/24, 2nd Test at Hamilton, February 13 – 16, 2024 – Full Scorecard |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-in-new-zealand-2023-24-1388186/new-zealand-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-1388222/full-scorecard |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> taking a five-wicket haul in South Africa's second innings<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinidhi |title=Bedingham century and O'Rourke five-for leave contest in the balance |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-in-new-zealand-2023-24-1388186/new-zealand-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-1388222/match-report |date=16 February 2024 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> and finishing the match with figures of nine wickets for 93 runs (9/93), recording the best match-bowling figures by a New Zealander on Test debut.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Will O'Rourke registers best bowling figures by New Zealand bowler on Test debut |url=https://timesofoman.com/article/142062-will-orourke-registers-best-bowling-figures-by-new-zealand-bowler-on-test-debut |date=15 February 2024 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=Times of Oman |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/articles/c207vx3ed52o|title=Surrey-born 'giraffe' O'Rourke ready to take on England|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=26 November 2024}}</ref>

In January 2025, he was named in New Zealand's squad for the [[2025 ICC Champions Trophy]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sears and O'Rourke included in New Zealand's Champions Trophy squad |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sears-and-o-rourke-included-in-new-zealand-s-champions-trophy-squad-1468615 |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

== Playing style ==
O'Rourke is known for his ability to generate extra bounce from his tall frame.<ref name=ci14dec23/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Deivarayan |first=Muthu |title=Gary Stead: 'No reason why Henry Nicholls can't make it back' |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/nz-vs-sa-gary-stead-provides-updates-on-kane-williamson-henry-nicholls-kyle-jamieson-and-mitchell-santner-1418623 |date=27 January 2024 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> A fast bowler who can reach delivery speeds of {{convert|150|km/h|mph}}, his bowling style has been compared to that of [[Kyle Jamieson]], another tall New Zealand fast bowler; O'Rourke has spent time working alongside Jamieson to develop his approach to bowling.<ref name=ci14dec23/><ref>{{Cite web |title='Bright future' – Will O'Rourke set for Test debut against Proteas |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/12/bright-future-will-orourke-set-for-test-debut-against-proteas/ |date=12 February 2024 |access-date=14 March 2024 |website=[[1News]] |language=en}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{cricinfo|id=1211825}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:ORourke, Will}}
[[Category:2001 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:New Zealand cricketers]]
[[Category:Canterbury cricketers]]
[[Category:Cricketers from the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames]]
[[Category:People from Kingston upon Thames]]
[[Category:New Zealand people of English descent]]
[[Category:University of Canterbury alumni]]
[[Category:New Zealand Test cricketers]]
[[Category:New Zealand One Day International cricketers]]
[[Category:New Zealand Twenty20 International cricketers]]
[[Category:Cricketers who have taken five wickets on Test debut]]
[[Category:Lucknow Super Giants cricketers]]
[[Category:Yorkshire cricketers]]

Will O'Rourke (cricketer) - Revision history

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