Will O'Rourke

• Biography

When you lose the likes of Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Tim Southee, who is set to retire at the end of 2024, you need players ready to fill some pretty big boots. Luckily for New Zealand, Will O’Rourke has answered that call.

Another tall fast bowler who has enjoyed a rapid rise to the top, O’Rourke was playing for the Black Caps less than two years after making his state team debut.

His match figures of 9-93 on debut were the best by a New Zealander in their first appearance and he has taken his tally to 26 in seven matches heading into the home summer.

The 23-year-old’s height, standing at 6ft 4in, and release point give him a point of difference and he was integral to the Black Caps’ historic 3-0 victory in India in October.