Black Caps paceman Will O'Rourke has been ruled out of the second test against Zimbabwe by a back injury and will return to New Zealand for treatment, the team said on Wednesday.
O'Rourke pulled up injured after taking 3-28 in the second innings of last week's first test in Bulawayo to help the tourists to a victory by nine wickets.
Squad News | Will O’Rourke has been ruled out of the second Test in Bulawayo with a back injury. Full story ⬇️ #ZIMvNZ #CricketNation https://t.co/oHumeb5dLG
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) August 5, 2025
Uncapped left-arm seamer Ben Lister was already in Zimbabwe as injury cover and will remain with the squad for the remainder of the tour.
The second and final Test starts at the same Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Thursday.
