New Zealand fast bowler O’Rourke ruled out for three months due to injury – SUCH TV

Fast bowler Will O’Rourke will be sidelined for at least three months due to a stress fracture in his lower back, New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Tuesday, adding to the team’s growing injury list.

The 24-year-old sustained the injury while bowling in the first Test against Zimbabwe earlier this month. Scans at home revealed the severity of the fracture.

“We’re really feeling for Will at the moment and wishing him a speedy recovery,” said New Zealand head coach Rob Walter.

O’Rourke will miss the home white-ball series against Australia in early October, England later that month, and the West Indies in November.

All-rounder Glenn Phillips is also out of the Australia series while recovering from a groin injury that kept him out of the Zimbabwe tour.

Opening batsman Finn Allen will be sidelined for at least three months following surgery on his right foot.

Walter expressed disappointment over losing Glenn and Finn, both key contributors in New Zealand’s T20 setup.

White-ball captain Mitchell Santner returned home from England’s The Hundred tournament with groin pain.

He is expected to undergo abdominal surgery with a one-month recovery period but will be assessed for fitness ahead of the three T20s against Australia.

“Mitch is a world-class player and a crucial part of our T20 side from a skills and leadership point of view,” said Walter.

“With that in mind we expect to name him in our squad. From there we can assess how his rest and rehabilitation progresses following surgery, before making a call on the eve of the series.”

Pace bowler Ben Sears has recovered from a side strain that saw him miss the Zimbabwe tour and is expected to be available.