NZ appoints Oram as bowling coach
New Zealand has appointed former pacer Jacob Oram as their bowling coach for the upcoming three-Test series against India, a highly anticipated fixture in the current World Test Championship cycle.
Oram, a seasoned right-arm pacer, will officially take on his new role starting October 7. With experience spanning three Cricket World Cups and four T20 World Cups, he brings a wealth of expertise to the Blackcaps, who are currently coached by Gary Stead.
The Test series will kick off with the first match in Bengaluru from October 16-20, followed by games in Pune (October 24-28) and Mumbai (November 1-5).
Oram, 46, previously served as New Zealand’s bowling coach during the recent T20 World Cup in the Americas and fulfilled a similar role for the New Zealand women’s team during the 2022 World Cup on home soil.
According to a statement from New Zealand Cricket, Oram has been involved with the Blackcaps as a bowling coach during last year’s Test tour to Bangladesh, the T20I series against Australia in February, and the recent ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
New Zealand currently holds the third spot in the World Test Championship standings, behind leaders India and Australia, with a strong chance of securing a berth in the final for the second time in three editions.
Reflecting on his appointment, Oram expressed his enthusiasm: "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. The recent opportunities I’ve had have given me great insight into where this team is headed, and I’m excited to continue that work in the coming seasons."
Head coach Gary Stead praised Oram, highlighting the value of his extensive playing and coaching experience: "Jake’s a great operator. His career as a player and his experiences as a coach speaks for themselves. He brings a deep understanding of the international game, along with experience in franchise cricket, which is crucial in understanding the modern player and the evolving landscape of the game."
01 September 2024, 07:00