New Zealand fast bowler William O'Rourke has been ruled out of the home ODI and Test series against India due to hamstring and calf injuries. New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Saturday that the 25-year-old will miss the matches as a precaution, with the Test tour of Australia in December a key consideration.
The setback delays O’Rourke’s return to international cricket. He last played on home soil in April 2025. New Zealand will host India across five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests, starting on October 22. The tour will test the hosts’ depth as they manage several injury concerns ahead of an international summer.
William O'Rourke Ruled Out Of NZ vs IND Series As A Precaution
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said the team was disappointed to lose William O'Rourke for an important home series but acknowledged that he needed more time to recover. The fast bowler had been in contention for both the ODI and Test squads before the medical assessment ruled out an immediate return.
“It’s obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India,” Walter said. “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,” he added.
William O'Rourke will try to regain fitness for New Zealand’s four-Test series against Australia, which begins in Perth on December 9. Walter said he hopes the pacer can return to domestic cricket with Canterbury, although his availability will depend on his recovery.
“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.
William O'Rourke’s Injury Setbacks Delay International Return
William O'Rourke missed seven months after suffering a back stress fracture in August 2025. He returned during New Zealand’s tour of Bangladesh in April, playing all three ODIs. The fast bowler then featured in all three Tests against England, taking 10 wickets during New Zealand’s 2-1 series victory.
However, his progress stalled when he tore his hamstring on the final day of the third Test at Trent Bridge during the England series. He later suffered a calf strain during a training session in late August, following the England tour.
His absence is a significant setback for New Zealand, given his record against India. During the Black Caps’ historic 3-0 Test series sweep in India in 2024, O’Rourke claimed seven wickets in three matches at an average of 18.42. He has taken 49 wickets in 14 Tests since making his debut in the format.
New Zealand Face More Injury Concerns Ahead Of India Series
William O'Rourke’s withdrawal adds to New Zealand’s injury concerns ahead of the multi-format assignment. All-rounder Rachin Ravindra has already been ruled out of the T20I series after dislocating his shoulder during a commercial shoot.
The hosts have also lost batter Mark Chapman and seamer Zak Foulkes from their T20I squad. New Zealand Cricket have named all-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner as replacements for the five-match series, which begins on October 22.
The T20Is will be followed by five ODIs from November 1, before the teams meet in a two-match Test series. The opening Test is scheduled to begin at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on November 19, with the second match set to take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27.
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