New Zealand fast bowler Will O'Rourke, who is facing a significant physical setback, has been sidelined for at least three months due to a stress fracture in his lower back. Following the setback, he will miss New Zealand's upcoming T20I series against Australia next month. Furthermore, he will also sit out of the white-ball assignments against England and West Indies in October and November, respectively.

Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment, wishing O’Rourke a speedy recovery.

"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," Walter said in an NZC release.

"We're very hopeful for that [three month time frame]. Stress fractures are obviously almost part and parcel of the craft, really, but never nice when it does happen. At this stage, we will reassess after that three month mark, hopefully the healing process has gone really well and we can get into that return to play."

Glenn Phillips and Finn Allen have also been ruled out of the T20I series against Australia due to their respective injuries. Glenn Phillips continues to recover from a groin injury. While Finn Allen has been sidelined for three months after undergoing surgery on his right foot. Meanwhile, white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner, who returned from the Hundred with groin pain, is set to have abdominal surgery. However, he is doubtful for Australia T20Is.

“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," Walter said.

“It’s disappointing to lose the services of Glenn and Finn who have played important batting roles in our T20 set up in recent times. Like in Zimbabwe, their unavailability will present opportunities for others to put their hands up in what’s going to be a hugely exciting and important series against Australia," he added.