Injury Crisis Hits New Zealand Cricket Ahead of Busy Home Season

Wellington – New Zealand Cricket has confirmed that fast bowler Will O’Rourke will be sidelined for at least three months due to a stress fracture in his lower back, adding to a growing list of injuries plaguing the Black Caps ahead of a packed home season.

The 24-year-old sustained the injury while bowling during the first Test against Zimbabwe earlier this month. He returned home for scans, which revealed the extent of the damage.

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

O’Rourke’s absence rules him out of the upcoming white-ball series against Australia in October, followed by clashes with England and the West Indies later in the year.

Adding to New Zealand’s injury woes, all-rounder Glenn Phillips has also been ruled out of the Australia series as he continues to recover from a groin injury that kept him out of the Zimbabwe tour.

Meanwhile, explosive opener Finn Allen faces a minimum of three months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on his right foot.

“It’s disappointing to lose the services of Glenn and Finn, who have played important batting roles in our T20 set-up in recent times,” Walter added.

White-ball captain Mitchell Santner has returned home early from The Hundred in England due to groin pain. He is set to undergo abdominal surgery, with a recovery window of about a month. However, selectors remain hopeful he can feature in the three-match T20 series 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.”

Read more: New Zealand Crush Zimbabwe by Innings and 359 Runs, Record Third-Biggest Test Victory

There is some positive news for New Zealand, with pace bowler Ben Sears recovering from a side strain and expected to be available for selection.

The Black Caps will need to carefully manage their squad depth as they prepare for a challenging stretch of white-ball cricket at home in the coming months.