Will O'Rourke ruled out of India series to prepare for Australia tour
Will O'Rourke misses New Zealand's home series against India to ensure fitness for the Australia Test tour.
New Zealand fast bowler Will O'Rourke has been ruled out of the upcoming multi-format series against India as he continues rehabilitation from injuries to his left hamstring and calf. The 25-year-old suffered a hamstring tear during the Test series against England in June and strained his calf in training in late August. New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the decision was made to ensure O'Rourke is fully fit for the four-Test tour of Australia beginning December 9. O'Rourke had been set to feature in both the ODI and Test series against India. Walter said O'Rourke could return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late November if his rehabilitation goes well.
CricHubb Take
New Zealand's conservative approach with O'Rourke reflects the importance of having fully fit fast bowlers for the demanding four-Test series against Australia, where pace resources will be critical over several months.