New Zealand quick ruled out of India series in bid to be fit to face Australia this summer
O'Rourke sets sights on Aussie Test tour after leg injuries
New Zealand fast bowler Will O'Rourke will miss next month's home Test series against India as he continues his rehabilitation from injuries to his left hamstring and calf, the country's cricket board said on Saturday.
O'Rourke suffered a hamstring tear during the Black Caps' Test series win over England in June, before hurting his calf in training in late August.
The 25-year-old will aim to return to full fitness ahead of a four-Test tour of trans-Tasman rivals Australia beginning on December 9.
"It's obviously disappointing for Will to have to miss such a marquee tour at home against India," New Zealand coach Rob Walter said in a statement.
"He was set to feature in both the ODI and Test series, but following subsequent discussions, we all agreed it was best for him to take some more time to rehabilitate both injuries and safely build up his bowling loads.
"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.
"Ideally, he'll be able to return for Canterbury in the Plunket Shield in late November, and in a perfect world he’ll be ready to go for the opening Test against Australia in Perth."
New Zealand host India in five T20 internationals, five ODIs and two Tests, with the opening T20 in Christchurch on October 22.
NRMA Insurance Men's Test Series v New Zealand
First Test: December 9-13, Perth Stadium, 10:20am WST
Second Test: December 17-21, Adelaide Oval, 11am ACDT
Third Test: December 26-30, MCG, Melbourne, 10:30am AEDT
Fourth Test: January 4-8, SCG, Sydney, 10:30am AEDT