New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially appointed Jacob Oram as the new bowling coach for the men’s national team. Oram, a former all-rounder renowned for his prowess both with the bat and the ball, steps into the role vacated by Shane Jurgensen, who departed in November of last year. Oram’s tenure is set to commence on October 7, strategically ahead of the upcoming three-match Test series against India.
After being associated with the Black Caps on multiple occasions over the past year, Oram expressed his enthusiasm about his new role. He had previously worked with the team during their tour of Bangladesh last year, their T20I series against Australia earlier in 2024, and most recently, at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
In an official statement released by NZC, Oram shared his excitement: “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to be involved with the Black Caps again. 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 been a great insight into where this team is going, and I’m excited to continue that work in the coming seasons.”
Oram brings with him a wealth of experience from his playing days. Having represented New Zealand in 33 Tests, 160 ODIs, and 36 T20Is, he was a significant figure in the team’s squad during three ODI World Cups and four T20 World Cups. Throughout his career, Oram amassed 4,688 runs and claimed 252 wickets across all formats, cementing his legacy as one of New Zealand’s cricket stalwarts.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Oram’s coaching journey has been impressive as well. He has previously served as the bowling coach for the White Ferns, New Zealand’s women’s team, and recently worked with MI Cape Town in the SA20 league. His diverse coaching experiences are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Black Caps’ bowling department.
“There’s a fresh new wave of talent coming through in the Black Caps bowling ranks and I hope that I can share my knowledge and experience to help best prepare them for the challenges of international cricket,” remarked Oram.
. His emphasis on nurturing emerging talent aligns with NZC’s focus on developing a robust team to compete at the highest levels.
Bryan Stronach, NZC GM of High Performance Cricket, along with head coach Gary Stead, welcomed Oram into the group, underscoring the value he brings to the team. “He [Oram] 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,” Stead noted. “It’s a really exciting opportunity for him and we’re looking forward to having him join the group full-time.”
The series against India offers a significant platform for Oram to make an immediate impact. The Indian team, known for its strong batting line-up, will pose a stern test for New Zealand’s bowlers. Oram’s insight and strategies will be crucial in devising plans to counter the Indian batsmen and leverage the home conditions to New Zealand’s advantage.
Moreover, Oram’s understanding of modern-day cricket dynamics, gleaned from his stints in franchise cricket, could play a pivotal role in addressing the evolving challenges the team faces. His ability to blend traditional coaching methodologies with contemporary tactics is expected to enhance the team’s preparation and performance.
This appointment also reflects New Zealand Cricket’s commitment to harnessing the expertise of former players who have a profound understanding of the game. Oram’s transition from a player to a coach is seen as an inspirational move for upcoming cricketers within the country. His journey underscores the opportunities available within the NZC framework for players to continue contributing to the sport long after their playing careers.
As the Black Caps gear up for the Test series against India, the cricketing fraternity will closely watch how Oram’s strategies and guidance influence the team’s performance. His tenure, commencing in just a few days, sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in New Zealand cricket, with fans and analysts alike anticipating the positive changes and successes that Jacob Oram’s involvement promises to bring.
