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O’Rourke, Phillips & Allen Ruled Out of Australia Series; Santner to Undergo Surgery
New Zealand Hit by Injury Setbacks Ahead of Chappell-Hadlee Trophy
New Zealand’s preparations for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy T20I series against Australia have been dealt a major blow, with Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips and Finn Allen all sidelined due to injuries, while skipper Mitchell Santner is set for abdominal surgery. The series, scheduled to be played at Bay Oval from October 1-4, is one of the most anticipated match-ups of the home summer, but the Black Caps’ camp is already battling fitness concerns.
Will O’Rourke Sidelined With Stress Fracture
24-year-old fast bowler Will O’Rourke, who impressed during the recent Zimbabwe series, has been ruled out after scans confirmed a stress fracture in his lower back. The injury occurred during the first Test against Zimbabwe earlier this month.
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He has already returned home and will now undergo a strength and conditioning programme.
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His rehabilitation timeline means he will miss at least three months of cricket, taking him out of New Zealand’s early summer commitments, including series against Australia, England and the West Indies.
Head coach Rob Walter, expressing disappointment, said:
“We’re really feeling for Will. He’s had such a bright start to his career, and while injuries are tough, he has the resilience to work hard and come back stronger.”
👉 Related Reading: Latest New Zealand cricket updates
Phillips and Allen Add to Injury Concerns
Glenn Phillips’ Groin Strain
Glenn Phillips, who missed the Zimbabwe series, is still recovering from a groin injury. He will be reassessed in a month, but the likelihood of him returning for the Australia series remains uncertain.
Finn Allen’s Foot Surgery
Explosive opener Finn Allen faces a more serious setback after undergoing surgery on his right foot. The procedure has ruled him out for three months, ruling him out of the upcoming Australia series and possibly part of the England tour.
Walter admitted their absence is a setback:
“It’s disappointing to lose Glenn and Finn, given the roles they play in our T20 setup. But like in Zimbabwe, their absence also creates opportunities for others to step up.”
Santner to Undergo Surgery, Race Against Time for Series
White-ball captain Mitchell Santner added to the list of headaches for selectors after experiencing groin pain while representing his team in The Hundred (England).
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Subsequent scans revealed the need for abdominal surgery, and he is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.
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Team management is still optimistic about Santner’s availability, keeping him in provisional squad plans until a final call is made closer to the series.
Walter stressed Santner’s importance:
“Mitch is not only a world-class spinner but also a vital leader in our setup. We’ll give him every chance to recover in time.”
A Positive Note: Ben Sears Cleared for Return
Amid the run of injury blows, there was a silver lining with 26-year-old pacer Ben Sears passed fit after recovering from a side strain. His return is set to bolster New Zealand’s pace department at the start of the summer season.
What This Means for New Zealand’s Summer
With multiple top players out, New Zealand cricket faces a testing start to their home summer. The absence of Phillips, Allen, and O’Rourke deprives the team of both key batting firepower and bowling stability. While Santner’s situation will be closely monitored, youngsters and fringe players will be eager to use this opportunity to make an impact.
The Black Caps are scheduled to play:
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Australia (October 1-4) – Chappell-Hadlee Trophy T20Is
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England (October 18 – November 1)
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West Indies (November 5-22)
Fans and experts alike will be keenly observing how the team reshuffles its line-up amid these fitness concerns. For more insights, you can explore ICC’s official injury and squad updates.
