Gordon Rorke

Gordon Rorke was a very tall (6' 5") blond, fast bowler whose career was dogged by controversy over `drag'. Exploiting the laws at the time, he dragged his back foot so successfully that he could deliver the ball with his front foot several feet over the bowling crease - Rorke's ability to do this led to a review of the no-ball laws. The drag, allied to his height and his genuine pace, made him a difficult bowler, and he played against England in 1958-59 with some success. He toured India in 1959-60 but struggled, losing two-and-a-half stone and returning home early. He never played for Australia again. In 1964, aged 25, he was struck down with hepatitis and his career was ended, although he continued to play grade cricket for Manley and Mosman until his mid thirties.
Martin Williamson