In a major setback for New Zealand, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, and Finn Allen have been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Australia, head coach Rob Walter has confirmed. Meanwhile, white-ball captain Mitchell Santner remains a doubt due to groin pain.
O’Rourke has been sidelined for at least three months after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back. The 24-year-old bowler sustained the injury during the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. He was released from the squad and underwent scans at home. To aid his recovery, O’Rourke will follow a strength and conditioning programme before being reassessed by the medical team. During his recovery and rehabilitation period, the tall pacer will miss the white-ball matches against Australia, England, and the West Indies, and could also be touch and go for the three Tests against the West Indies scheduled for December.
“We’re really feeling for Will at the moment and wishing him a speedy recovery,” head coach Rob Walter said. “He’s had such an impressive start to his career, 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.”
Santner will require abdominal surgery. However, he will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of the series starting on 1 October.
“Mitch is a world-class player and a crucial part of our T20 side, both in terms of skills and leadership,” Walter said. “With that in mind, we expect to name him in our squad when we announce it in a couple of weeks’ time. From there, we can assess how his rest and rehabilitation progresses following surgery, before making a final decision on the eve of the series.”
Phillips and Allen have been out of action for some time due to their respective injury concerns and will be unavailable for selection for the home series against Australia.
“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. As was the case 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,” Walter said.
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