New Zealand have been dealt another injury setback, with pace bowler Will O’Rourke ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo due to a back injury.
According to an official release from New Zealand Cricket, O’Rourke began experiencing back stiffness on day three of the first Test, which the Black Caps won by nine wickets last week. He is scheduled to return home on Wednesday and will undergo further medical assessment upon arrival in New Zealand.
This latest blow comes just two days after pace-bowling allrounder Nathan Smith was ruled out of the remainder of the series with an abdominal injury. Zak Foulkes, who featured in the recent T20I Tri-Series involving Zimbabwe and South Africa, has been called up to the Test squad for the first time to replace Smith. Smith had impressed in the first Test, claiming 3 for 20 in Zimbabwe’s first innings.
Left-arm seamer Ben Lister, originally brought in as additional pace cover, will remain with the squad for the second Test.
Four in line for debut
Black Caps bowling coach Jacob Oram said the decision to withdraw O’Rourke was precautionary.
“We’re hopeful it’s nothing serious, but with so much cricket coming up over the next six to eight months—and with some big Test tours next year—we need to make sure we look after the big guy,” Oram said.
Meanwhile, captain Tom Latham, who missed the first Test with a shoulder injury, remains uncertain for the second match, which begins on Thursday.
With the growing list of injuries, four uncapped bowlers are now in contention to make their Test debuts in the second and final match of the series. Foulkes and Lister are both in line for selection, while fast bowlers Jacob Duffy and Matt Fisher also remain in contention.
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