Will O’Rourke ruled out of India series, targets Australia Test comeback

New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke will miss the home series against India while recovering from hamstring and calf injuries. The team hopes he can return to domestic cricket in December and be fit for the opening Test against Australia.

Auckland: New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke will sit out the upcoming home series against India as he continues his recovery from injuries to his left hamstring and calf, with the pacer and the team management prioritising his availability for the four-Test tour of Australia in December.

The 25-year-old had returned to international cricket earlier this year after spending seven months on the sidelines with a back stress fracture. However, his comeback was interrupted by a hamstring tear sustained on the final day of New Zealand’s third Test against England in June, followed by a calf strain during a training session in late August.

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Black Caps coach Rob Walter said the decision was taken jointly with O’Rourke and the team’s medical staff to allow the fast bowler sufficient time to recover and rebuild his bowling workload without risking further setbacks.

“It’s obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India. He was set to feature in both the ODI and Test series, but following subsequent discussions, we all agreed it was best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and safely build up his bowling loads.

“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. Ideally, he’ll be able to return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late December, and in a perfect world, he’ll be ready to go for the opening Test against Australia in Perth on December 9,” Walter said.

O’Rourke’s absence is a setback for New Zealand’s pace attack ahead of a demanding international schedule, although the team management is keen to avoid rushing back a bowler who has already endured two significant injury interruptions.

Since making his Test debut in 2024, O’Rourke has Will O’Rourke ruled out of India series, targets Australia Test comeback claimed 49 wickets in 14 matches at an average of just under 25. His performances during New Zealand’s 2-1 Test series victory in England in June underlined his value, with the right-arm pacer taking 10 wickets before his hamstring injury ruled him out of further action.

His rehabilitation will determine whether he can return to domestic cricket for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield later in December, ahead of the first Test against Australia in Perth on December 9.

New Zealand’s preparations for India’s visit have already been affected by other fitness concerns. Batsman Mark Chapman and all-rounder Zak Foulkes were ruled out of the T20 squad on Saturday, with Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner named as their replacements.

The India tour will begin with five T20 Internationals on October 22, followed by five One-Day Internationals and two Test matches. New Zealand are scheduled to announce their squad for the ODI series on Sunday.

With the Australia tour looming, the Kiwis will be hoping that a cautious approach to O’Rourke’s rehabilitation allows one of their leading young Test bowlers to return at full fitness for the crucial five-day contests.