New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke has been ruled out of the upcoming home series against India as he continues his rehabilitation from left hamstring and calf injuries, the country’s cricket board said on Saturday.
The 25-year-old suffered a hamstring tear during New Zealand’s Test series victory over England in June before injuring his calf during training in late August.
O’Rourke had been expected to feature in both the one-day international (ODI) and Test series against India but will now focus on regaining full fitness ahead of New Zealand’s four-Test tour of Australia, beginning December 9.
“It’s obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India,” New Zealand coach Rob Walter said in a statement.
Walter said the team management had agreed to give the pacer additional time to recover and gradually rebuild his bowling workload to avoid further setbacks.
New Zealand will take a cautious approach to his return, with their pace-bowling resources expected to be crucial over the coming months.
India’s tour of New Zealand will feature five Twenty20 internationals, five ODIs and two Tests. The opening T20I is scheduled to take place in Christchurch on October 22.