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Will ORourke Ruled Out Of India Series, Eyes Australia Test Comeback

Batsman Mark Chapman: New Zealand fast bowler Will ORourke 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 only 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 Zealands third Test against England in June, followed by a calf strain during a training session in late August. The Blackcaps coach Rob Walter said the decision was taken jointly with ORourke and the teams medical staff to allow the fast bowler sufficient time to recover and rebuild his bowling workload without risking further setbacks. Its 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 were taking a conservative approach to Wills return to ensure hes fully fit before he takes the field again. Ideally hell be able to return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late December, and in a perfect world hell be ready to go for the opening Test against Australia in Perth on December 9, Walter said. ORourkes absence is a setback for New Zealands 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, ORourke has claimed 49 wickets in 14 matches at an average of just under 25. His performances during New Zealands 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 immediate 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 Zealands preparations for Indias 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. New Zealands preparations for Indias 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. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

10 Oct 2026 9:50 am