New Zealand Suffer Major Injury Blow Ahead Of Series vs India, Star Pacer Ruled Out

Injured strike bowler Will O'Rourke has been ruled out of the home series against India and will target a return to face Australia, New Zealand Cricket announced on Saturday. O'Rourke is recovering from hamstring and calf muscle injuries and will not play in the home ODI and Test matches against India as a "precaution", a statement from the national body said. New Zealand coach Rob Walter hoped his key new ball bowler would be cleared to play in the four-Test series in Australia starting in early December.

"It's obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India," Walter said.

"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."

The 25-year-old has impressed in 14 Tests since his 2024 debut, taking 49 wickets at an average just under 25.

He was a hostile performer in New Zealand's 2-1 series win in England in June, taking 10 wickets, but hasn't played since injuring his hamstring in the final Test.

He subsequently suffered a calf injury at a training session in August.

O'Rourke was previously sidelined for seven months with a back stress fracture before returning to the field earlier this year.

New Zealand have been hit by injuries in the lead-up to India's visit which comprises five Twenty20 Internationals starting on October 22, five ODIs and two Tests.

Batsman Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes were both ruled out of the T20 squad on Saturday.

They were replaced by Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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