ZIM vs NZ 2025: Pacer Will O’Rourke ruled out of second Test with back injury

New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe, citing a back injury. The right-arm quick, who impressed in the second innings of the first Test in Bulawayo, experienced back stiffness on Day 3 and has been sent home for further medical consultation. Left-arm fast bowler Ben Lister has been added to the squad as cover.

O’Rourke’s back stiffness is another addition to the list of injuries in the New Zealand camp. Nathan Smith, who played an important role in the first Test with three wickets, was earlier ruled out of the second game with an abdominal strain. In his place, uncapped pacer Zakary Foulkes was called up. With O’Rourke now sidelined, Lister, who is yet to make his Test debut, has joined the squad as well.

We are hopeful it’s nothing too serious: Jacob Oram

Bowling coach Jacob Oram confirmed that the injury isn’t believed to be serious but stressed the importance of managing O’Rourke’s workload carefully, especially with several major tours lined up over the next year. 

“We are hopeful it’s nothing too serious. When he’s so important to our side for the next six to eight months but also next year with all the Test cricket, we’ve got some big tours, we need to make sure we look after the big guy and make sure that he’s okay. So we have our fingers crossed for him and hopefully he’ll be back on the park soon,” New Zealand bowling coach Jacob Oram said as quoted ESPNcricinfo.

The 24-year-old in the first innings of the opening Test finished with figures of 0 for 26 from 13 overs. However, he bounced back strongly in the second innings with 3 for 28 from 10 overs, including the wickets of Brian Bennett, Nick Welch, and Vincent Masekesa. 

Despite the injury setback, New Zealand registered a comprehensive nine-wicket win in the first Test. Matt Henry was named Player of the Match for his figures of 6/39 in the first innings and 3/51 in the second. Mitchell Santner, who captained the side in Tom Latham’s absence due to a shoulder injury, also bagged a four-wicket haul in Zimbabwe’s second innings.

Notably, either Jacob Duffy or Matthew Fisher is set to make their Test debut in the second match. Fisher grabbed the attention of head coach Rob Walter during net sessions and was called up shortly before the tour began.

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