New Zealand rule out O'Rourke against India to keep him fit for Australia

Will O'Rourke (Reuters Photo)

New Zealand fast bowler Will O'Rourke will miss the upcoming home series against India as he continues recovering from injuries to his left hamstring and calf. The 25-year-old has been ruled out as a precaution, with New Zealand keen to ensure he is fully fit for their important four-Test tour of Australia in December. New Zealand will face India in five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, beginning with the first T20I in Christchurch on October 22.

O'Rourke to miss India series

O'Rourke had only recently returned to international cricket after spending seven months out with a back stress fracture. However, he injured his hamstring on the final day of New Zealand's third Test against England before suffering a calf strain during training in late August. New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the decision was made after discussions with O'Rourke and the team's medical staff. "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.

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New Zealand had also announced on Friday that Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes would miss the T20I series because of injuries.

Australia tour the main target

New Zealand are taking a cautious approach with O'Rourke because their fast bowlers will be important during a busy period of international cricket. "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," Walter said. The team hopes O'Rourke will return to action for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield, New Zealand's first-class domestic competition, in late December. If his recovery goes as planned, he could be available for the opening Test against Australia in Perth on December 9. "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," he added.

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