Jacob Oram has been appointed as the new bowling coach for the New Zealand Men's cricket team, stepping into the position previously held by Shane Jurgensen.
Oram is no stranger to the role, having served as bowling coach during last year’s Test series in Bangladesh, the T20I series against Australia, and the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Oram mentioned that he is thrilled to be rejoining the Blackcaps. He described it as a great honor to be involved again with a team that has played a significant role in his life. The recent opportunities he had with the team provided him valuable insights into its direction, and he is eager to continue contributing in the upcoming seasons.
Oram is particularly excited about the emerging talent within the Blackcaps' bowling lineup. He hopes to leverage his knowledge and experience to help these young bowlers prepare for the demands of international cricket.
In his new role, Oram will work with a bowling attack that includes promising newcomers like the pace duo Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke.
Oram’s coaching journey began in 2014 with New Zealand A, followed by a stint as the bowling coach for the New Zealand Women’s team starting in 2018. Last summer, he led Central Hinds as head coach, guiding the team to the Super Smash final. Additionally, he has gained experience as an assistant coach in the Abu Dhabi T10 and as the bowling coach for MI Cape Town in the SA20.
Head coach Gary Stead praised Oram, noting that his playing career and coaching experiences make him an excellent choice for the role. Stead highlighted Oram's deep understanding of international cricket and his experience in franchise cricket, which will be valuable in adapting to the evolving nature of the modern game.
Oram is set to officially begin his duties on October 7, just in time for New Zealand's three-Test series in India.