Former Australian Pacer Gordon Rorke Dies At 87 News24 –

Australia’s former pace bowler Gordon Rorke, who appeared in four Test matches, passed away at 87. Standing at a tall height and famous for his raw speed, Rorke was one of the quickest bowlers in Australia of his time. All his Test matches were played in 1959 – two in the Ashes series against England and two later in the year when Australia toured India. He made a big impact on his debut in Adelaide, taking five wickets as Australia won by nine wickets to win back the Ashes.

Rorke’s career, though, was not controversy-free. His peculiar bowling action, specifically the manner in which he dragged his back foot and delivered the ball well behind the crease, generated a lot of publicity. This style led to a re-examination of the no-ball laws, which later prompted a change in law.

Tragically, his overseas career was shortened by illness. He fell ill with hepatitis while touring India, and its residual effects eventually compelled him to retire early at the age of only 25. In his first-class career playing for New South Wales, Rorke had taken 88 wickets at a mean of 24.60.

In his short Test career, he has played 4 matches in which he took 10 wickets with an economy of 1.73. In his First Class career he played 36 matches where he took 88 wickets with an incredible economy of 2.26 and best bowling figures of 6/52.