Image Credit- NZC
When New Zealand hosts South Africa for the second
Test on Tuesday at Hamilton, skipper Tim Southee said that uncapped fast
William O’Rourke has “a good chance” to make his Test debut.
In lieu of their customary four-man pace attack in the
first Test match at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand deployed a three-man pace
attack consisting of Southee, Matt Henry, and Kyle Jamieson. There will be a
close race for the fourth quick position between Neil Wagner and O’Rourke
because Hamilton is predicted to provide a little bit more bounce and pace,
while seam-bowling all-around option Daryl Mitchell was ruled out of the
Hamilton Test.
“He’s in the 13,” Southee spoke 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.”
In December of last year, O’Rourke made his debut for
his country against Bangladesh in the home ODI series. In three games, he took
five wickets. At 6 feet 4 inches, Southee acknowledged that O’Rourke is a
“big and tall guy” who resembles Jamieson highly.
“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.”
“Will’s probably played a bit more cricket than I
had,” he added. “He’s got a great head on his shoulders.
“He’s a pretty mature guy from what I’ve seen of
him. He’s had a little taste already, so he knows what to expect, but you just
enjoy it and stick to what you’ve done that’s got you here.”