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New Zealand bowler Will O’Rourke is likely to be out for at least three months because of a stress fracture in his back. He felt stiffness during the first Test against Zimbabwe last month.

O’Rourke missed the second Test and went back home for tests. Scans showed the fracture, which means the 24-year-old will need three months of strength and conditioning to get back in shape, according to head coach Rob Walter.

Walter said they feel for O’Rourke and want him to get well soon. He began his career well, so it’s disappointing when an injury happens, but he is strong and ready to work hard to come back better.

Along with O’Rourke, Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips will miss the three-match T20I series against Australia in early October. Allen had surgery on his right foot and will be out for three months. Phillips, who hurt his groin during Major League Cricket (MLC) and didn’t play in the Zimbabwe tour, hasn’t recovered fully and will be checked again in a month.

Captain Mitchell Santner, who injured his groin during the Hundred, went home and chose to have abdominal surgery. Santner’s availability for the Australia series is uncertain, with recovery taking about a month.

Walter said Santner is a top player and important to the T20 team for his skills and leadership. They plan to include him in the squad when it is announced in a couple of weeks. Then, they can see how he recovers after surgery before deciding if he can play in the series.

He added that it’s disappointing to lose Glenn and Finn, who have been important batsmen in the T20 setup. Like in Zimbabwe, their absence gives others a chance to step up in the important series against Australia.

New Zealand will host Australia, England, and the West Indies in a big home season of white-ball matches in October-November before Test matches start in December.