Former New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram has been installed as the new bowling coach of the men's national team.
Oram made played a total of 229 matches for New Zealand (33 Tests, 160 ODIs, 36 T20Is) between 2001 and 2013. A hard-hitting left-handed batter who was often slotted in the lower-middle order, Oram also bowled medium-fast, ad could be difficult to face due to his height, and could be highly effective in helpful conditions.
Towards the end of his career, he was also highly sought-after in the franchise T20 circuit thanks to his skillset as a seam-bowling all-rounder. Apart from representing Central Districts in New Zealand, Oram enjoyed spells with three different IPL teams – Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. He also played for the Chittagong Kings in Bangladesh and Uva Next in the now-defunct Sri Lanka Premier League.
Oram has significant experience as a coach as well. He first worked as the bowling coach of the New Zealand A side in 2014, before joining the women's national team in the same role from 2018 to 2021. Last year, Oram coached the Central Hinds to the SuperSmash final and enjoyed stints with the Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10 league and MI Cape Town in SA20.
– England's highest run-scorer on an away Ashes tour
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 28, 2024
– Topped the T20I batting records with a record ranking points haul
– Finishes his ODI career with a batting average of 55.76@Katya_Wisden pays tribute to Dawid Malan's England career. https://t.co/qC3Cfljlx0
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead welcomed Oram's appointment: "Jake’s a great operator,” he said. "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. It’s a really exciting opportunity for him and we’re looking forward to having him join the group full-time."
The New Zealand national team has had to adjust to the franchise T20 circuit of late. Star players Kane Williamson and Devon Conway turned down central contracts with the national team in favour of casual contracts in order to stay available for other T20 tournaments. Finn Allen also declined a central contract offer for the same reason, but was not offered a casual contract.
Oram's role officially begins on October 7.
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