Injured strike bowler Will O'Rourke has been ruled out of the home series against India and will target a return to face Australia, New Zealand Cricket announced on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
O'Rourke is recovering from hamstring and calf muscle injuries and will not play in the home ODI and Test matches against India as a "precaution", a statement from the national body said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand coach Rob Walter hoped his key new ball bowler would be cleared to play in the four-Test series in Australia starting in early December.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It's obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India," Walter said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We all agreed it was best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and safely build up his bowling loads.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 25-year-old has impressed in 14 Tests since his 2024 debut, taking 49 wickets at an average just under 25.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He was a hostile performer in New Zealand's 2-1 series win in England in June, taking 10 wickets, but hasn't played since injuring his hamstring in the final Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He subsequently suffered a calf injury at a training session in August.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
O'Rourke was previously sidelined for seven months with a back stress fracture before returning to the field earlier this year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand have been hit by injuries in the lead-up to India's visit which comprises five Twenty20 Internationals starting on October 22, five ODIs and two Tests.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Batsman Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes were both ruled out of the T20 squad on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n