Vaibhav Tripathi in Dubai
Virat Kohli was seen defending off the back foot against the pacers in Wednesday’s net session. But he soon expanded his game, crunching a couple of pull shots. The focus of India’s premier batter was on short-of-a-good-length deliveries, fully aware of the challenge ahead as India face New Zealand next, a team boasting a lineup of tall fast bowlers.
Much of the build-up to this clash has revolved around New Zealand’s spinners testing India’s batting might. But Kohli’s session painted a different picture, one of calculated preparation against the fast-bowling challenge that lies ahead. Even in the absence of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Lockie Ferguson, the Black Caps possess a pace arsenal that is raw yet potent. And in that mix, Will O’Rourke stands out, bringing an extra edge to the contest.
Having announced himself on the Test stage against South Africa last year, O’Rourke’s rise has been swift and significant. He was at the heart of New Zealand’s historic series wins over both South Africa and India. In Bengaluru, just when India seemed in cruise control, O’Rourke struck like a bolt from the blue, a three-wicket burst that shattered their momentum. In the same game, he dismissed Kohli with a delivery that bounced a bit more than the batter expected.
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, O’Rourke has the ability to extract disconcerting bounce from even the most benign surfaces. He relentlessly hits a probing length, moves the ball with purpose, and possesses an inherent awkwardness that unsettles batters. Though still new to the international scene, his craft is evolving fast. He varies his lengths, deceives with changes in pace, and keeps batters second-guessing, an approach that has already yielded 19 wickets in 11 ODIs. In the ongoing Champions Trophy, he has five scalps in just two games, proving his effectiveness even on the flat decks of Pakistan. If he can make an impact on those placid surfaces, one can only imagine the havoc he might wreak on a pitch with something in it for the bowlers.
Dubai’s pitches have shown their unpredictability, offering inconsistent bounce, conditions tailor-made for a tall enforcer like O’Rourke. Adding to the equation are the strong desert winds swirling over the city in recent days. If they persist, they could aid his natural ability to extract sideways movement, making him an even greater threat.
As the high-voltage clash against India looms, O’Rourke shoulders the burden of expectation. But with his frame built for endurance and a mindset forged in tough battles, he seems more than ready to embrace the challenge, just as he did in Bengaluru.