O'Rourke ruled out of India series to rehabilitate from injuries
Will O'Rourke will miss New Zealand's home series against India to focus on rehabilitation from hamstring and calf injuries.
New Zealand fast bowler Will O'Rourke will miss next month's home Test series against India as he continues rehabilitation from injuries to his left hamstring and calf. The 25-year-old suffered a hamstring tear during New Zealand's Test series win over England in June before hurting his calf in training in late August. New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the decision prioritises O'Rourke's long-term fitness ahead of the four-Test tour of Australia beginning December 9.
O'Rourke was set to feature in both the ODI and Test series against India but discussions led to a conservative approach to his return. The pace bowling resources will be critical over the coming months, making the decision to allow additional rehabilitation time necessary. Walter hopes O'Rourke can return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late November.
New Zealand host India in five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests beginning with the opening T20I in Christchurch on October 22. The first Test against Australia starts on December 9 at Perth Stadium.
CricHubb Take
The decision to rest O'Rourke reveals a calculated long-term strategy that prioritises the Australia series over immediate series points against India.