Photo via Hindustan Times

Will O’Rourke to miss ODIs and Tests against India as New Zealand dealt another setback

New Zealand’s pace bowling unit has suffered another setback ahead of their home series against India, with star fast bowler Will O’Rourke ruled out of both the five-match ODI series and two-Test series due to ongoing rehabilitation from a left hamstring tear and calf strain. The 25-year-old, who returned from a back stress fracture earlier this year, aggravated his hamstring during the third Test against England at the Oval in late June before adding the calf injury in late August.

Despite initial plans to include him in the India fixtures, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and head coach Rob Walter decided against his participation to prioritize his fitness for the upcoming four-match Test series against Australia, starting December 9 at Optus Stadium in Perth. Walter emphasized the importance of a conservative approach to O’Rourke’s return, aiming for his availability in the Plunket Shield domestic competition in late December and, ideally, the opening Test against Australia.

The injury setback follows recent squad adjustments for New Zealand’s five-match T20I series against India, beginning October 22 in Christchurch, where Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes were replaced by Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner due to their own injuries. O’Rourke’s absence further tests the Kiwis’ pace resources, with Walter stressing the need to balance recovery with the team’s upcoming high-stakes fixtures.

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