Gordon F. Rorke

Cricket

Gordon Rorke was a big 6ft 5in fast bowler whose cricket career began in his parents' backyard in Mosman.  As a teenager he played for Mosman Cricket Club's Green Shield Team.

While playing grade cricket for Mosman (1953-62 and 1968-69), Rorke won selection for New South Wales in 1957, making an immediate impact with his devastating pace.

He made his Test debut the following summer, replacing an injured Ian Meckiff in the Fourth Test against England. He bowled 52 overs in extreme heat, and dismissed Cowdrey, May, Graveney, Watson and Lock for 101 runs.

Rorke then toured India and Pakistan with the Australian team but was sent home prematurely with stomach ailments. Two and a half stone lighter than when he left, he didn't represent Australia internationally again. He played four Tests, taking 10 wickets at an average of 20.30.

Rorke continued to play cricket for New South Wales until 1964 alongside team mates like Ian Craig and Richie Benaud. Having played a few seasons for Manly, he returned to Mosman in the 1970s to play a final season for Mosman Cricket Club as captain of the third grade team.

Rorke was also one of the most controversial fast bowlers of all time. His unique sliding delivery led to the introduction of the front foot law.