New Zealand dropped Will O’Rourke against India to keep him fit for Australia

Will O’Rourke (Reuters photo) New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke will miss the upcoming home series against India as he continues to recover from left hamstring and calf injuries.The 25-year-old has been ruled out as a precaution and New Zealand are keen to ensure he is fully fit for their important four-Test tour of Australia in December.New Zealand will face India in five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, starting with the first T20I in Christchurch on October 22.

O’Rourke will miss the India series

O’Rourke only recently returned to international cricket after spending seven months out with a broken back. However, he injured his hamstring on the final day of New Zealand’s third Test against England before suffering a calf strain during training in late August.New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the decision was made after discussions with O’Rourke and the team’s medical staff.“It’s obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India,” Walter said.“He was due to feature in both the ODI and Test series, but after subsequent discussions we all agreed it would be best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and safely build up his bowling load.”New Zealand also announced on Friday that Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes will miss the T20I series due to injuries.

The main goal of the tour of Australia

New Zealand are taking a cautious approach with O’Rourke as their fast bowlers will be important during a busy period of international cricket.“Our bowling resources will be critical over the next few months, so we are taking a conservative approach to Will’s return to ensure he is fully fit before he takes the field again,” Walter said.The team hopes O’Rourke will return to action for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield, New Zealand’s first-class domestic competition, in late December. If his recovery goes to plan, he could be available for the opening Test against Australia in Perth on December 9.“Ideally he will be able to return to Canterbury in the Plunket Shield at the end of December and in a perfect world he will be ready to go for the opening Test against Australia in Perth on December 9,” he added.