New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke will miss the upcoming home series against India as he continues to recover from injuries to his left hamstring and calf. The team management has decided against rushing his return, with the main focus on getting him fit for New Zealand’s four-Test tour of Australia in December.
The 25-year-old was expected to play in both the ODI and Test series against India. However, his recent injury problems have forced him to take more time to recover before returning to international cricket.
ALSO READ: IND vs WI: Shai Hope's 102 Powers West Indies To Record Chase, Stun India In 2nd T20I
O’Rourke Suffers Another Injury Setback
O’Rourke had only recently returned to action after spending seven months out of the game because of a back stress fracture. His comeback was cut short when he injured his hamstring on the final day of New Zealand’s third Test against England in June.
The right-arm pacer suffered another setback in late August when he picked up a calf strain during a training session. With two injuries affecting his progress, New Zealand have opted to give him enough time to recover and gradually increase his bowling workload.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said the decision was taken after discussions between the player, the coaching staff and the medical team.
New Zealand Hope For O’Rourke’s Return Before Australia Tour
Walter stressed that the team does not want to take any unnecessary risks with O’Rourke’s fitness, especially with a busy schedule coming up.
The coach said New Zealand would need their fast bowlers to be available over the next few months and that O’Rourke’s recovery would be handled carefully.
“Our pace bowling resources will be critical over the next few months, so we’re taking a conservative approach to Will’s return to ensure he’s fully fit before he takes the field again,” Walter said.
New Zealand are hopeful that O’Rourke will return to domestic cricket for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late December. If his recovery goes as planned, he could be available for the first Test against Australia in Perth, scheduled to begin on December 9.
O’Rourke’s Test Record Highlights His Importance
O’Rourke has established himself as a key part of New Zealand’s Test attack since his 2024 debut. He has taken 49 wickets in 14 Tests at an average of just under 25.
The pacer also impressed in New Zealand’s 2-1 Test series win in England in June, taking 10 wickets before a hamstring injury forced him out of the remaining action.
His absence will leave New Zealand without one of their key young fast bowlers for the India series. However, the management will be hoping that giving him extra recovery time helps him return to full fitness for the important assignments ahead.
New Zealand Face Other Fitness Concerns Ahead Of India Tour
O’Rourke is not the only New Zealand player dealing with fitness issues ahead of the home series. Batter Mark Chapman and all-rounder Zak Foulkes have also been ruled out of the T20I squad.
Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner have been named as their replacements for the shortest-format series.
India’s tour of New Zealand will begin with five T20 Internationals on October 22. The two teams will then play five ODIs and two Test matches. New Zealand are expected to announce their ODI squad on Sunday.
With the Australia tour approaching, New Zealand will be hoping that O’Rourke’s rehabilitation goes according to plan and allows him to return to the field without further injury concerns.