(Cricket news) New Zealand skipper Tim Southee, ahead of the second test indicated that uncapped pacer William O’Rourke has “a good chance” to make his Test debut against South Africa for the second Test in Hamilton.
O’Rourke made his debut for New Zealand in the ODI series against Bangladesh which was played at home last year. The right-arm pacer picked up a total of 5 wickets in the 3 games at an average of 23.0, with 3/47 as his best figures. He has been a part of New Zealand U19 team previously and plays for the Canterbury side in the Domestic circuit.
“There’s a good chance, he’s in the 13,” Southee said of O’Rourke. “Neil’s been around the group as well and been a great performer for us for a long period of time. “It’s great to have those decisions to be made. Will’s an exciting talent and has had a little taste of international cricket, and I’m sure he has a bright future in the highest level as well.”
Southee said that at 6’4, O’Rourke is a “big and tall guy” very much like Jamieson. “His strengths are obviously his height and ability to extract bounce,” Southee said. “Being a big, tall guy he’s not too dissimilar to KJ [Jamieson]. He’s got skills with the ball as well. He’s got the tools to be a very good bowler and someone who I’m sure will thrive at this level.”
New Zealand fielded a three-man pace attack in the First test, featuring Southee, Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson. The second game being in Hamilton is expected to offer bit more pace and bounce. O’Rourke is in contention for the fourth quick’s spot and might feature in the eleven ahead of Neil Wagner.
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