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Injuries hit Blackcaps ahead of Hagley Oval Test
Logan Swinkels • March 4th, 2024 10:05 am
The summer of Will O'Rourke has been halted by a left hamstring strain, New Zealand Cricket revealed in a statement Monday, the morning after a 172-run loss to Australia in the first Test.
The young Canterbury pace bowler sustained the injury on day three at the Basin Reserve and will now require a recovery period of at least two weeks.
O'Rourke impressed during South Africa's recent tour, taking nine wickets at Seddon Park, surpassing Mark Craig's long-standing record for the most Tests wickets taken on debut by a New Zealander.
"It’s disappointing for Will to be ruled out, especially after making such a strong start to his international career," said Blackcaps coach Gary Stead.
“He’s shown he’s a player with huge potential and at 22-years-old we’re hopeful we will see a lot more of him in the Black Cap.”
The unfortunate news now opens the door for another prospect - Wellington's Ben Sears has been called in as cover with 58 First Class wickets to his name from 19 matches.
Stead believes the uncapped Sears is ready for a potential Test debut.
"He bowls with genuine pace and gets good bounce which is always a great asset in red ball cricket.
“We’ve been really impressed by his performances for the BLACKCAPS in white ball cricket this summer and believe he can make the step up to the Test arena if called upon."
Any hope of Neil Wagner reversing his retirement decision was squashed with confirmation that the veteran of 64 Tests has been released from the NZ squad.
Speaking with SENZ Mornings shortly after the news broke, cricket commentator Daniel McHardy shared his analysis of the situation.
"The fact that they've gone to Ben Sears is a sign that they (NZC) are looking forward and they have to, I spent way too long last night trawling through scorecards trying to come up with an option to replace Will O'Rourke," McHardy said.
"The one thing that O'Rourke has brought, other than a really impressive start to his Test career, is an utter point of difference. He's 1-metre-97, bowls with really good pace, a good bounce bowler. There's essentially no one out there fit and available.
"New Zealand has an incredible amount of right arm medium-fast bowlers going around the First Class circuit, it's actually worrying. Look at all the wicket-taking charts, I can't see a left armer with a compelling case other than maybe Ben Lister out of Auckland.
"The problem is, Lister has played one first class game this summer and picked up one wicket. I know those around the circuit think he's very skilled, but you can't pick a guy who's played one game to go against Australia.
"So then, I'm looking for guys with genuine pace and Ben Sears does tick that box. He has a high action, hits the pitch hard and might be able to get some bounce, because generally there is a bit of pace and bounce at Hagley."
NZ Cricket also announced that Blackcaps opener Devon Conway will undergo surgery this week on the left thumb that was injured during the T20 series against Australia, he is expected to out for the next eight weeks.
Canterbury batter Henry Nicholls will remain as potential cover for the Test squad when they reassemble Tuesday, searching for answers against the current World Test Champions.
Join SEN Cricket for live ball-by-ball commentary of the second Test between New Zealand and Australia, starting March 8, across the SEN/SENZ network and the app.
Listen to the full interview below:
