New Zealand fast bowler Will O'Rourke will miss the home Test series against India while rehabilitating left hamstring and calf injuries.
New Zealand Cricket said O'Rourke is withdrawing as a precaution while he continues treatment for injuries to his left hamstring and calf.
The 25-year-old suffered a hamstring tear during June's third Test against England, on its final day. He then strained his calf during training in late August.
A back stress fracture sidelined O'Rourke for seven months, and he did not resume international cricket until earlier this year.
It's obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India,
Walter said O'Rourke had been expected to play in both the ODI and Test series. His absence therefore removes him from more than the two matches in which New Zealand will face India in Tests.
…but following subsequent discussions, we all agreed it was best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and safely build up his bowling loads,
Our pace bowling resources will be critical over the next few months so we're taking a conservative approach to Will's return to ensure he's fully fit before he takes the field again.
O'Rourke was in New Zealand's squad for its late 2024 tour of India, when New Zealand defeated India 3-0. He said he took seven wickets in the series, at an average of 18.42.
India's wider visit to New Zealand starts on October 22 and consists of five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.
The first match is a T20 in Christchurch on October 22. The ODI portion begins on November 4.
The Test series starts on November 19, with Wellington hosting the first match and Christchurch the second.
- JuneHamstring tear
O'Rourke suffered the injury on the final day of the third Test against England.
- Late AugustCalf strain
He picked up the second injury during training.
- November 19India Tests begin
The two-Test home series opens in Wellington before moving to Christchurch.
- December 9Australia Test begins
New Zealand is due to open the four-Test tour against Australia in Perth.
New Zealand will travel across the Tasman Sea for a four-match Test series against Australia after India's tour. The schedule leaves the Australia campaign as the next major Test target for O'Rourke.
O'Rourke's next Test windows
India home Tests
November 19
- O'Rourke ruled out
- Wellington and Christchurch
Australia opening Test
December 9
- New Zealand hopes he is fit
- Perth
Ideally he'll be able to return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late December, and in a perfect world he'll be ready to go for the opening Test against Australia in Perth on December 9,
Walter said he was hopeful O'Rourke would be fit for the Australia tour. The coach's proposed route starts with a possible return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late December.
The exact date when O'Rourke will regain full fitness is not known. It is also not known whether he will be fit for New Zealand's Australia tour.
O'Rourke will aim to return to full fitness ahead of the four-Test tour of Australia beginning on December 9. New Zealand's opening Test against Australia is in Perth on December 9.
