Will O'Rourke ruled out of India series to target Australia Tests return
Will O'Rourke will miss New Zealand's series against India while managing hamstring and calf injuries.
New Zealand fast bowler Will O'Rourke has been ruled out of the home ODI and Test series against India. He continues to rehabilitate injuries to his left hamstring and calf sustained earlier this year.
Coach Rob Walter said O'Rourke was originally expected to feature in both the ODI and Test legs of the tour. The medical team decided extra time was needed to build his bowling loads safely. The target remains a return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late December and the first Test against Australia in Perth on December 9.
New Zealand have already named replacements for Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes in the T20I squad. The five-match T20I series begins in Christchurch on October 22.
CricHubb Take
The decision shows New Zealand view the four-Test Australia series as their primary target this summer, not the home matches against India.