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Star Blackcaps trio ruled out of series against Australia, Santner racing clock
Sport Nation • August 26th, 2025 11:00 am
Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
Blackcaps pace-bowler Will O’Rourke will be out for at least three months after scans confirmed a stress fracture in his lower back, sustained during the first Test against Zimbabwe earlier this month.
The 24-year-old has returned home and will begin a strength and conditioning block before being reassessed.
“We’re really feeling for Will at the moment and wishing him a speedy recovery,” said Blackcaps coach Rob Walter.
“He’s had such an impressive start to his career and so naturally it is disappointing when an injury like this comes along, but he’s a resilient guy and determined to put the work in and come back stronger.”
The injury rules O’Rourke out of the upcoming white-ball series against Australia, England and the West Indies.
Glenn Phillips (groin) and Finn Allen (foot surgery) have also been ruled out of the T20 Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series against Australia in early October.
Phillips will be reassessed in a month, while Allen is set for three months on the sideline.
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White-ball captain Mitchell Santner is scheduled to undergo abdominal surgery after returning from The Hundred with groin pain. Recovery is expected to take about a month, making him touch and go for the Australian series.
“Mitch is a world-class player and a crucial part of our T20 side from a skills and leadership point of view,” said Walter.
“We expect to name him in our squad and then assess his progress closer to the series.”
Walter said Phillips and Allen’s absence would create valuable opportunities.
“It’s disappointing to lose Glenn and Finn, but like in Zimbabwe, their unavailability gives others a chance to step up in what’s going to be a hugely exciting series against Australia.”
In positive news, Wellington pacer Ben Sears has recovered from the side strain that ruled him out of the Zimbabwe tour and is expected to be fit for the start of the home summer.
The Blackcaps T20 squad for the Australia series will be named in the second week of September.
Sport Nation will be providing live and free coverage of the Blackcaps vs Australia T20 series with our award-winning commentary team on October 1, 3 and 4.
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