The New Zealand campaign has been hit with major injury blows as key players like Finn Allen, William O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner from next month’s Chappell Hadlee Trophy T20I series against Australia.

Will O’Rourke will be out of action for at least three months on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back.

The 24 year old sustained injury during the first test against Zimbabwe earlier this month and subsequent assessment showed he will miss white-ball series against Australia, England and West Indies.

“We’re really feeling for Will at the moment and wishing him speedy recovery,” New Zealand coach Rob Walter said.

“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.”

Menawhile Santner, who experienced groin pain while playing in The Hundred 2025 and has since returned home.

The left-arm spinner will undergo abdominal surgery with a recovery period of around one month, leaving him in a race against time for the Australia series.

“Mitch is a world-class player and a crucial part of our T20 side from a skills and leadership point of view,” Walter said. “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.”

Meanwhile Finn Allen also out of action for three months on the sideline after undergoing surgery on his right foot while Glenn Phillips will miss the T20Is against Australia due to groin injury. He will be reassessed in a month’s time.

“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,” concluded Walter.

Meanwhile Ben Sears has been cleared to return to New Zealand squad after a side strain. The T20I series is set to begin on October 01 at Bay oval.