New Zealand Cricket Loses O'Rourke, Allen, Phillips to Multi-Month Injuries

New Zealand fast bowler Will O'Rourke will be sidelined for at least three months due to a stress fracture in his lower back sustained during the first Test against Zimbabwe. He is expected to miss the upcoming white-ball series against Australia, England, and the West Indies, with a possible return for the Test series against the West Indies in December. All-rounder Glenn Phillips and opening batsman Finn Allen are also out due to groin and foot injuries, respectively, impacting the team's T20 setup. White-ball captain Mitchell Santner is recovering from abdominal surgery following groin pain and remains a fitness question mark for the Australia T20 series, though the coaching staff expects to include him in the squad. Coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the injury toll but remains optimistic about the players' recoveries and their importance to the team. Pace bowler Ben Sears has recovered from injury and is expected to be available for selection.