New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke is set to miss at least three months of competitive cricket after developing a stress fracture in his lower back. He joins a growing list of New Zealand’s injured players, including Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, and white-ball captain Mitchell Santner. O’Rourke reported stiffness in his lower back on the third day of the opening Test against Zimbabwe, following which he was sent home for further scans.
A three-month recovery period means he will sit out the white-ball series against Australia, England, and West Indies in October and November at the very least. His hiatus could also extend into New Zealand’s red-ball series against Zimbabwe, starting December 2, which essentially means no cricket for him for the remainder of the year. For now, he is set to undergo a three-month-long strength and conditioning phase before being assessed again to work out a timeframe for his return.
“We’re really feeling for Will at the moment and wishing him a speedy recovery,” Walter said in an NZC release. “He’s had such an impressive start to his career and so naturally it is disappointing when an injury like this comes along, but he’s a resilient guy and determined to put the work in and come back stronger.”
“We’re very hopeful for that [three-month timeframe]. Stress fractures are obviously almost part and parcel of the craft, really, but never nice when it does happen. At this stage, we will reassess after that three-month mark. Hopefully the healing process has gone really well and we can get into that return to play.”
In addition to the young pacer, Glenn Phillips and Finn Allen are sidelined with injuries as well. The pair picked up their respective knocks while playing in Major League Cricket (MLC). While Phillips, who was excluded from the squad for the Australian series in October, might be cleared to return to face England at home, Allen’s recovery from foot surgery means he is out for at least three months.
Santner, meanwhile, is scheduled to undergo abdominal surgery, which could see him out of action for a month. Walter hopes the New Zealand limited-overs captain will be fit to lead the side in their next white-ball assignment against Australia.
“Mitch is a world-class player and a crucial part of our T20 side from a skills and leadership point of view,” Walter said.
“With that in mind we expect to name him in our squad when we announce it in a couple of weeks’ time, and from there we can assess how his rest and rehabilitation progresses following surgery, before making a call on the eve of the series.
“It’s disappointing to lose the services of Glenn and Finn who have played important batting roles in our T20 set-up in recent times.
“Like in Zimbabwe, their unavailability will present opportunities for others to put their hands up in what’s going to be a hugely exciting and important series against Australia.”
New Zealand have a packed summer awaiting them as they gear up to play as many as 13 T20I games before the 2026 T20 World Cup in February and March. They will be looking towards newer faces to fill in for the regulars and potentially make their case for the multi-nation tournament.
