Will O'Rourke will join Yorkshire this season in T20 Blast

Yorkshire have signed New Zealand fast bowler Will O'Rourke for the Vitality Blast. He will be available for the first eight group games, with an option to extend his deal depending on international commitments. O'Rourke, 23, has played all organizations for his country with noteworthy returns since first being covered in 2023. In all T20 cricket, he has taken 35 wickets at a normal of 24.94 and an economy 7.82. His spell with Yorkshire will be his most memorable in homegrown cricket beyond New Zealand, and he addressed Kane Williamson, who played for Yorkshire somewhere in the range of 2013 and 2018, about the move. "I talked with Kane [Williamson] about the possibility of getting paperwork done for Yorkshire and he was profuse in his recognition for the club and the Yorkshire allies," he said. "Everybody all over the planet is aware of Yorkshire CCC and I'll be pleased to wear the white rose when I show up." Yorkshire declared the marking of Will Sutherland for the whole Impact bunch stage prior in the week, however O'Rourke's accessibility was diminished by the reality New Zealand are visiting Zimbabwe in July and August, playing each of the three configurations. He could, notwithstanding, return for the Shoot knockouts in September, assuming that Yorkshire qualify. Anthony McGrath, Yorkshire's lead trainer, said that O'Rourke, at 6ft 4in, would give a "place of contrast" to the group's assault in T20. McGrath said: "When we knew that there was potential to carry Will into the club, we realized we needed to affirm it at the earliest opportunity. "With his casing and level, he has a delivery point which will give a central issue of contrast for our assault. He's young, hungry to succeed and ready to remove both speed and bob from a wide range of pitches." Gavin Hamilton, Yorkshire's senior supervisor of cricket, said: "Marking a player of Will's type is sign of our aim for this season. He was one of the champion stars of the last year and he showed his capacity against Britain over the colder time of year. "A bowler like Will who can stir things up around town hard supplements the remainder of our crew well. This is a marking that ought to invigorate every one of our individuals and allies, and I'm more than happy he will go along with us this year."