(Source X)
New Zealand has appointed former pacer Jacob Oram as their bowling coach for the challenging three-Test series against India, a key fixture in the current World Test Championship cycle.
Oram, an imposing right-arm pacer with experience from three Cricket World Cups and four T20 World Cups, will assume his role on October 7. He brings valuable experience to the Blackcaps, who are coached by Gary Stead.
New Zealand’s series against India will kick off with the first Test in Bengaluru from October 16-20, followed by matches in Pune (October 24-28) and Mumbai (November 1-5).
Jacob Oram, 46, previously served as the Blackcaps’ bowling coach during the recent T20 World Cup in the Americas and also held a similar position with the New Zealand women’s team during the 2022 World Cup on home soil.
“The 229-capped international officially joins the Blackcaps staff after supporting the team as bowling coach in last year’s Test tour to Bangladesh, February’s T20I series at home against Australia, along with the recent ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies,” said New Zealand Cricket in a statement.
New Zealand is well-positioned to reach the World Test Championship final for the second time in three cycles. Currently, they are in third place, trailing leaders India and Australia, with a points percentage of 50.
“To be back involved with a team that means so much to me and has been a big part of my life is a real honour,” said Oram, with over 250 wickets across formats and 33 Tests, 160 ODIs, and 36 T20Is in an 11-year international career.
“The recent opportunities I’ve had have been a great insight into where this team is going and I’m excited to continue that work in the coming seasons.
“There’s a fresh new wave of talent coming through in the Blackcaps bowling ranks and I hope that I can share my knowledge and experience to help best prepare them for the challenges of international cricket.”
Head coach Stead noted that Oram will contribute his extensive experience to the team during this critical period.
“Jake’s (Oram) a great operator. His career as a player and his experiences as a coach speak for themselves.
“He brings a deep understanding of the international game, but also experience in franchise cricket which will be worthwhile in understanding the modern player and the changing landscape of the modern game,” added Stead.
