Gordon Rorke, former Australia paceman passes away at the age of 87 having made his debut in 1958-59 against England.
Former Australia quick Gordon Rorke dies aged 87.
Gordon Rorke, a former fast bowler for Australia who participated in four Test matches, died at the age of 87.
Rorke was a tall pace bowler who was regarded as one of Australia’s fastest at the time. He made two Test matches in 1959 against England in the Ashes and then two away matches against India later in the year before becoming ill with hepatitis.
In his debut encounter in Adelaide, he took five wickets as Australia triumphed by ten wickets and reclaimed the Ashes.
His delivery, in which he dragged his back foot to deliver the ball with his front foot several feet above the bowling crease, was controversial, though, and it plagued his career. The no-ball laws were reviewed as a result of Rorke’s ability to do this.
“I was frightened that he might tread on my toes,” Colin Cowdrey, who made 84 in Adelaide, said.
His career ended at the age of 25 due to the aftereffects of the illness he contracted on his India trip. He took 88 wickets at 24.60 overall while playing for New South Wales in the first division.
“Cricket NSW extends its deepest condolences to Gordon’s family and friends at this difficult time while celebrating his contribution to our game,” the state said.