Black Caps missing pace-bowler against India
New Zealand pace-bowler Will O’Rourke will miss the upcoming tour against India as a precaution, as he continues rehabilitate injuries to his left hamstring and calf.
The 25-year-old made his return to international cricket earlier this year after a back stress fracture kept him sidelined for seven months.
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O'Rourke then suffered a hamstring tear on the final day of the third Test against England and subsequently strained his calf during training in late August.
Black Caps coach Rob Walter said the decision to miss the India series was made in conjunction with O’Rourke and the medical team, with an eye very much on December’s four-Test tour of Australia.
“It’s obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India,” said Walter.
“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.”
The first T20 between New Zealand and India is in Christchurch on Thursday 22nd October.
