Will O’Rourke to miss India Tests, New Zealand hoping pacer is fit in time for Australia tour

New Zealand fast bowler Will O'Rourke is expected to miss the upcoming Test series against India due to injuries to his left hamstring and calf. The 25-year-old suffered a hamstring tear during the third Test against England in June and strained his calf during training in late August. O'Rourke recently returned to international cricket after seven months away due to a back stress fracture.

O'Rourke played a crucial role in New Zealand's 3-0 series win over India in late 2024, taking seven wickets at an average of 18.42. New Zealand Cricket's head coach, Rob Walter, expressed disappointment over O'Rourke's absence from the home series against India, which begins on November 19. The coach confirmed that O'Rourke was scheduled to feature in the ODI and Test series, but the team decided it was best for him to have more time to rehabilitate the injuries.

O'Rourke is hopeful of being fit for New Zealand's upcoming four-match Test series against Australia after the Indian tour. Walter hopes that O'Rourke will return in time for the first Test against Australia in Perth on December 9.