Australian tall right-arm quick bowler Gordon Rorke passed away on July 5, 2025, at age 87. Rorke stood at 6' 5" and played four Tests. He made his maiden appearance for Australia against England during the home Ashes series in 1958. The New South Wales-born pacer played a pivotal role in that series and claimed a match-winning 5/101 in the final Adelaide Test to help Australia crush the touring England side by 4-0.

The tall speedster went on to make two appearances apiece against India and England. All four Test appearances came in the year of 1958. Rorke played his last international game against India at Kanpur during that year, where he contracted a severe illness in the form of hepatitis. 

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Rorke's controversies with no-ball

Rorke's career saw an unexpected controversy come to light. Given the fact that Rorke was stupendously tall in stature, this allowed Rorke to drag his back foot to such an extent that it would allow him to deliver the ball with his front foot being several feet over the bowling crease. Subsequently, the no-ball law was dragged into question because of his ability to bowl in that fashion. The drag, allied to his height and his genuine pace, made him a difficult bowler to contend with. 

The news of his demise was confirmed by Cricket NSW, who expressed their deep-felt condolences to him and his family. 

"Cricket NSW extends its deepest condolences to Gordon's family and friends at this difficult time while celebrating his contribution to our game."

The negative effects of the illness from the Indian tour did not dissipate as many at the time expected them to. The prolonged after-effects of illness got the better of him, and his career saw a premature end at the age of 25. Rorke could never play for Australia ever again but continued his association with grade cricket for Manley and Mosman until his mid-thirties. While representing New South Wales in first-class cricket, Rorke maintained a healthy average of 24.8 with 88 wickets under his belt.