O'Rourke Ruled Out of Second Test Against Zimbabwe with Back Injury

O'Rourke Ruled Out of Second Test Against Zimbabwe with Back Injury

New Zealand's injury concerns have deepened ahead of the second Test against Zimbabwe, with fast bowler Will O'Rourke ruled out due to a back injury. The left-arm seamer experienced stiffness on day three of the first Test in Bulawayo and has since been sent home for further medical evaluation.

O'Rourke, who delivered an impressive spell of 3 for 28 in the second innings after going wicketless in the first, will not feature in the second Test starting August 7. His absence is another blow to New Zealand’s bowling attack, which has already lost fast-bowling allrounder Nathan Smith due to an abdominal strain.

Zakary Foulkes has earned his maiden Test squad call-up as Smith’s replacement. In response to O'Rourke’s injury, Auckland Aces' left-arm quick Ben Lister has been drafted into the squad as cover and will now stay on with the team.

New Zealand bowling coach Jacob Oram expressed concern about O'Rourke's fitness, emphasizing the importance of long-term player welfare.

“We are hopeful it's nothing too serious,” Oram said. “He’s crucial to our plans for the next six to eight months, especially with some big Test series coming up. We need to look after him and make sure he’s okay. Fingers crossed he'll be back soon.”

With O'Rourke sidelined, the door is open for either Jacob Duffy or Matthew Fisher to make their Test debut. Fisher was added to the touring squad shortly before the series after impressing head coach Rob Walter as a net bowler.

Meanwhile, New Zealand skipper Tom Latham remains under an injury cloud after missing the first Test with a shoulder injury. Mitchell Santner led the side in his absence, and a decision on Latham’s availability for the second Test is expected closer to match day.

The second Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand begins Thursday, August 7.

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