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Midday Sports News for 23 July 2025

Midday Sports News for 23 July 2025

RNZ News23-07-2025
There is plenty of support for a change of netball in New Zealand.
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Will O'Rourke ruled out of Zimbabwe test as injury list mounts
Will O'Rourke ruled out of Zimbabwe test as injury list mounts

RNZ News

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  • RNZ News

Will O'Rourke ruled out of Zimbabwe test as injury list mounts

Will O'Rourke Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Black Caps pace bowler Will O'Rourke has been ruled out of the second cricket test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo with a back injury. Four uncapped bowlers are now in contention to make their test debuts when the second test starts on Thursday. O'Rourke experienced back stiffness on day three of the Black Caps nine-wicket victory last week after taking three for 28 from his 10 overs in the second innings. He departs Zimbabwe today and will undergo further medical assessment when he arrives back in New Zealand. Left-arm seamer Ben Lister Photo: Photosport Auckland Aces left-arm seamer Ben Lister, who was called in to provide additional pace-bowling cover, will remain with the squad for the test series. Two days ago pace-bowling allrounder Nathan Smith was ruled out of the remainder of the series with an abdominal injury. Zak Foulkes, who recently played in the T20I Tri-Series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, was called into his first test squad to replace Smith, who recorded three for 20 in Zimbabwe's first innings. Captain Tom Latham also missed the opening test with a shoulder injury and it's not known yet if he will be available for the second test. Black Caps bowling coach Jacob Oram said they were being cautious with O'Rourke. "We are hopeful it's nothing too serious but when he's so important to our side for the next six to eight months but also next year with all the test cricket we have got some big tours we need to make sure we look after that big guy and ensure that it's okay," Oram said. Matt Fisher Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Foulkes and Lister could make their test debuts in the second match of the two-test series. Uncapped fast bowlers Jacob Duffy and Matt Fisher are also in contention. "There's a very good chance there's a debutant playing in the second test," Oram said. "It's also nice to see the fresh faces and from my perspective as the bowling coach, I know these guys have got the skills. I see it in the nets, I see their development and improvement and I can't wait to see whoever it is that gets that first cap, get out there and do their thing." The pace attack will be spearheaded by Matt Henry who grabbed a nine-wicket haul in the first test. Oram said Henry had solidified his place in the test team. "He had to bide his time behind [Neil] Wagner, [Tim] Southee, and [Trent] Boult a few years ago but now he's sort of the man in the side and I think he's really grasped that leadership role. "Not only in terms of providing input and experience for others but just his skills, he bowls an immaculate length and line, he's able to move the ball both ways, can bowl a bouncer at good pace. What more could you want, so he's doing really well at the moment." Oram said the challenge to the New Zealand bowlers in the second test will be how they can replicate their success in the opening match. "You can do it once but can you do it over and over again in a test series and that's a challenge in itself."

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