The upcoming Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, comprising three T20Is is reportedly a key part of New Zealand’s buildup to the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The Black Caps are set to improve on their
2021 runner-up finish, but an injury crisis reportedly complicates their preparations. New Zealand’s recent performances, including commendable performances in the Test series against Zimbabwe, where Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Rachin Ravindra scored with the bat, and Matt Henry led a potent bowling attack demonstrated the team’s depth. But the T20 format, requiring a different set of tactical acumen in the players, can possibly challenge New Zealand’s adaptability against a strong Australian side.
New Zealand’s cricket team now faces a significant setback ahead of their home summer, with key players Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, and Finn Allen ruled out of the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee Trophy T20I series against Australia, scheduled for October 1 to 4, 2025, at Tauranga. New Zealand Cricket confirmed that speedster Will O’Rourke has been sidelined for at least three months due to a stress fracture in his lower back, while all-rounder Glenn Phillips and batsman Finn Allen are also unavailable as they recover from groin and foot injuries, respectively. New Zealand’s white-ball captain Mitchell Santner, who returned home from the ongoing The Hundred tournament following a groin pain, is set to undergo abdominal surgery, making him “touch and go” for the Australian series with an expected recovery of one month.
Will O’Rourke will also miss the home series against England and West Indies as well
The Black Caps coach Rob Walter stated, “We’re really feeling for Will at the moment, He’s had such an impressive start to his career and so naturally it is disappointing when an injury like this comes along.” The injury means O’Rourke won’t be available for the series against England (October 18 to Nov 1) and West Indies (Nov 5 to 22) as well. Talking about the condition of Mitchell Santner, Walter said, “Mitch is a crucial part of our T20 side.” He further added that Santner will be a part of the squad that will be announced but his “rest and rehabilitation progress” will lead to management making a call for him on the eve of the series.
The injuries open the door for emerging players to stake their claim in the T20I squad, which is set to be announced in the second week of September. In positive news, Wellington Firebirds pace bowler Ben Sears has recovered from a side strain that sidelined him during the Zimbabwe tour and is expected to be available for the series, bolstering the bowling attack. Apart from that the team’s ability to adapt, as demonstrated in Zimbabwe with debutant bowlers like Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, and Matthew Fisher stepping up, can also prove to be crucial in the upcoming home summer.
