Will O’Rourke to miss New Zealand's home series against India

New Zealand Cricket has ruled Will O’Rourke out of the upcoming India series so he can continue recovering from left hamstring and calf injuries. The fast bowler is targeting the December tour of Australia.

The 25-year-old suffered a hamstring tear during the June Test series against England. He then injured his calf in training in late August.

New Zealand coach Rob Walter said O’Rourke had been expected to play in both the one-day internationals and the Test series against India. Discussions with the bowler and medical team led to a decision to allow more rehabilitation time and a gradual increase in bowling workloads.

Walter explained that the team's pace resources would be important over the coming months. O’Rourke's participation in the four-Test tour of Australia will depend on whether he regains full fitness.

According to New Zealand Cricket, a hoped-for intermediate step is a return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late November. Walter hopes the bowler could then play in the opening Test in Perth on December 9.

India's visit includes five Twenty20 internationals, five one-day internationals and two Tests. It begins with a T20 in Christchurch on October 22. O’Rourke will continue his rehabilitation instead of taking part in that series.