The injured New Zealand seamer William O'Rourke will miss the second test against Australia which is set to commence from 8th March. William O'Rourke picked up 2 wickets in the first match but will remain out of the xi cause of hamstring injury. Ben Sears in line to replace him.

William O'Rourke 
New Zealand coach Gary Stead confirmed on Monday that O'Rourke's hamstring is set to sideline him for two to four weeks and Ben Sears in line to replace the injured O'Rourke. Stead said there was no consideration given to recalling the retired Neil Wagner after the team gave him a send-off in Wellington following the 172-run loss to Australia.

Stead said it was disappointing to lose O'Rourke having been impressed by his performance in Wellington before he limped off with the hamstring injury in the second innings.

"He hasn't had sort of hamstring injury in the past," Stead said. "Disappointing for Will and disappointing for us because I thought he bowled fantastically well and for a guy that's so young in his Test career it looks like the Australians were certainly respecting him in the way that they're playing him. I thought his spell before he got injured was absolutely outstanding."

"He'll be a big loss for us. Ben Sears for us as the closest I guess like for like replacement that we thought we could find. We wanted someone with some genuine pace. Ben's done that he's had recent international success against Australia as well which was part of the decision-making and in going with him as the replacement for Will."