The New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke has been ruled out of the second test against Zimabwe due to a back injury.
Meanwhile, Left-arm pacer Ben Lister has been added to the squad as a cover for the New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe 2025.
The Blackcaps has secured a solid win in the first test match of the New Zealand tour of Zimbabwe 2025. O’Rourke has been part of the first test where he had experienced stiffness to his back during the play on day 03. He had bowled 23 overs in that match, and returned three wickets.
“Will O’Rourke has been ruled out of the second Test in Bulawayo with a back injury. He departs Zimbabwe today and will undergo further medical assessment on arrival in New Zealand,” said a NZC statement.
It is the second injury in the campaign for New Zealand from the series opener against Zimbabwe after Nathan Smith was ruled out due to abdominal strain.
New Zealand’s bowling attack is likely to look a different from the first test with no Smith, O’Rourke and Michael Bracewell, who has been added to the squad for the first test only.
Meanwhile, it remains uncertainty over return of skipper Tom Latham for the second test after missing the opening game due to hamstring injury.
There is highly chances for Matthew Fisher may receive his debut cap on Thursday, while the spinner Ajaz Patel is likely to return to the side for the first time since three match test series against India last year.
The second test of the tour will begin on August 07 at Queen Sports Club, Bulawayo.
New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham (c), Mitchell Santner, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young
