NZ's O'Rourke and Phillips ruled out of Australia series

New Zealand have some major injury concerns ahead of a home summer, with Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips and Finn Allen ruling out of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy T20I series against Australia at Bay Oval in the first week of October.

- Agencies

O'Rourke is set to be out of action for at least three months after scans revealed a stress fracture in his lower back.

The 24-year-old sustained the injury while bowling in the first Test against Zimbabwe earlier this month and subsequently returned home to undergo further assessment.

Perth Scorchers will also be sweating on the fitness of Allen, who is set to return for the second year of his contract in KFC BBL.

The powerful right-handed opener overcame a slow start last season to score 181 runs with two half-centuries in his 10 games for the Scorchers after signing a two-year deal prior to the overseas player draft.

Allen, who doesn't hold a NZC contract, will again be available for the entire Big Bash season should his recovery go to plan.