Will O’Rourke ruled out for 3 months with back injury

New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke will be out of action for up to three months after suffering a stress fracture in his lower back during the recent Test series in Zimbabwe.

The 24-year-old speedster will not require surgery but will undergo a strength and conditioning program as part of his recovery.

O’Rourke is set to miss New Zealand’s upcoming T20 series against Australia, the white-ball tour of England in October, and the limited-overs series against the West Indies in November. However, he is expected to be available for the three-Test home series against the West Indies in December.

Since making his debut against South Africa last year, O’Rourke has established himself as a key part of New Zealand’s pace attack, claiming 39 wickets in 11 Tests.