Why is Will O’Rourke Missing the Zimbabwe Test Due to Injury?
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Synopsis
In a significant setback for New Zealand's cricket team, pace bowler Will O’Rourke is ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe due to a back injury. This injury follows a series of setbacks for the team, including the absence of captain Tom Latham and all-rounder Nathan Smith. How will these injuries impact New Zealand's performance?
Key Takeaways
- Will O’Rourke is out due to a back injury.
- Nathan Smith is also sidelined with an abdominal strain.
- Ben Lister may make his Test debut.
- Tom Latham is hopeful to return from his shoulder injury.
- Mitch Santner is leading the team in the absence of key players.
Bulawayo, Aug 6 (NationPress) New Zealand has encountered yet another setback as pace bowler Will O’Rourke will miss the second Test against Zimbabwe due to a back injury, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket on Wednesday.
O’Rourke faced back stiffness during day three of New Zealand's nine-wicket victory in the first Test last week, where he claimed three wickets for 28 runs in his ten overs during the second innings.
According to NZC, O'Rourke has been sent home for further evaluation. Left-arm seamer Ben Lister, who was called up for extra pace-bowling support, will stay with the squad for the series and may be in line for his Test debut in the second and final Test set to start on Thursday.
O’Rourke is the second pace bowler ruled out of the upcoming match due to injury, following all-rounder Nathan Smith, who sustained an injury while batting on day two of the first Test in Bulawayo. An MRI has confirmed he has an abdominal strain, requiring about two to four weeks for recovery.
Previously, Test captain Tom Latham was sidelined from the first Test due to a shoulder injury but remained with the squad, hopeful of participating in the second Test.
Mitch Santner, the white-ball captain, led the team in the first Test, marking his role as New Zealand's 32nd men's Test captain.
Before the Zimbabwe tour, batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips withdrew from the tour after injuring his right groin during the Major League Cricket (MLC) final. Bracewell, who wasn't part of the initial squad due to his commitments with The Hundred overlapping the two-Test series in Bulawayo, replaced Phillips in the lineup.
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young
Point of View
It's important to acknowledge the challenges facing the New Zealand cricket team. Injuries to key players like Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith not only affect the team's morale but also their strategic depth. With the series against Zimbabwe hanging in the balance, it will be vital for the remaining squad members to step up and fill the gaps left by these absences. The resilience of the team will be tested, and we are here to cover every moment.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Will O’Rourke's injury?
Will O’Rourke experienced back stiffness during the third day of the first Test against Zimbabwe.
Who will replace Will O’Rourke in the squad?
Ben Lister has been called in as additional pace-bowling cover and may debut in the second Test.
How long will Nathan Smith be out due to his injury?
Nathan Smith is expected to require approximately two to four weeks for recovery from his abdominal strain.
Who is leading the New Zealand team in the first Test?
Mitch Santner is serving as the captain for New Zealand in the first Test.
Why did Glenn Phillips withdraw from the Zimbabwe tour?
Glenn Phillips withdrew after injuring his right groin during the Major League Cricket final.
