New Zealand has enlisted former fast bowler Jacob Oram as their new bowling coach in preparation for the demanding three-Test series against India, a highly anticipated fixture in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
Oram, known for his formidable right-arm pace, will step into his role on October 7. With a distinguished career that includes participation in three Cricket World Cups and four T20 World Cups, Oram brings a wealth of experience to the Blackcaps, who are under the guidance of coach Gary Stead.
The series against India will commence with the first Test in Bengaluru from October 16-20, followed by matches in Pune (October 24-28) and Mumbai (November 1-5).
At 46 years old, Oram recently served as the Blackcaps' bowling coach during the T20 World Cup in the Americas and previously held a similar position with the New Zealand women's team during the 2022 World Cup held on home soil.
According to a statement from New Zealand Cricket, "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."
Currently ranked third in the World Test Championship standings, New Zealand is well-positioned to secure a place in the final for the second time in three cycles, trailing only behind leaders India and Australia with a 50 percentage points tally.
Oram expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "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." With over 250 wickets across all formats, and having played 33 Tests, 160 ODIs, and 36 T20Is during his 11-year international career, Oram is eager to contribute further. "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 praised Oram's addition to the team, noting, "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."
Read also | Olympic Medallist Manu Bhaker Remembers PM Modi's Prediction of Her Success at Age 16
Read also | Dawid Malan Expresses Gratitude for Representing England Across All Three Formats
