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New Zealand’s preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 have been rocked by a series of unfortunate injuries to key players. These fitness issues have left selectors with a major challenge as they juggle a packed white-ball season and look to get their best squad ready for the showpiece tournament.
William O’Rourke ruled out for three months with stress fracture in his lower back
The first major blow is to pacer William O’Rourke, who has been ruled out of action for at least three months. This comes as a result of a stress fracture in his lower back, an injury he sustained while bowling in the first Test against Zimbabwe earlier this month. The 24-year-old has returned home for a three-month strength and conditioning block before his progress is reassessed, delaying his return to bowling and playing. The injury means O’Rourke won’t be available for the Blackcaps opening white-ball tours of the home summer against Australia, England and the West Indies.
“We’re really feeling for Will at the moment and wishing him speedy recovery. 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,” Coach Rob Walter stated in the Press Release by New Zealand Cricket.
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Several other major injury woes add to New Zealand’s concerns
Meanwhile, in another massive blow, white-ball captain Mitchell Santner is now in doubt for the upcoming series against Australia. Having returned home from The Hundred with groin pain, Santner is scheduled to have abdominal surgery. His recovery is expected to take about a month, meaning his availability will be decided right before the series begins. The team has stated they will give the captain every possible chance to prove his fitness before a final call is made.
“Mitch is a world class player and a crucial part of our T20 side from a skills and leadership point of view, With that in mind we expect to name him in our squad when we announce it in a couple of weeks’ time, and from there we can assess how his rest and rehabilitation progresses following surgery, before making a call on the eve of the series,” further added Walter.
The woes continue as both Glenn Phillips and Finn Allen have also been ruled out of the series against Australia. Phillips, who missed the Zimbabwe tour due to a groin injury, will require further rehabilitation and will be re-evaluated in a month. Meanwhile, Allen is facing a three-month sideline stint after undergoing surgery on his right foot. Both players will miss the matches scheduled for the first week of October at Bay Oval.
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