New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke will not play in the home series against India as he continues recovering from injuries to his left hamstring and calf, the country’s cricket board said on Saturday.
The 25-year-old sustained a hamstring tear during New Zealand’s Test series victory over England in June. He then injured his calf while training in late August, delaying his return.
O’Rourke had been expected to be involved in both the one-day international and Test portions of the India tour. New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the decision to leave him out was reached after discussions aimed at allowing the bowler more time to recover and rebuild his workload safely.
“It’s obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India,” Walter said in a statement.
“He was set to feature in both the ODI and test series, 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.”
New Zealand will host India for five Twenty20 internationals, five ODIs and two Tests. The opening T20 is scheduled for Christchurch on October 22.
O’Rourke’s target is to be fully fit for New Zealand’s four-Test tour of neighbouring Australia, which begins on December 9.
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