NZ appoints bowling coach for Test Series

New Zealand Cricket has announced the appointment of former fast bowler Jacob Oram as their new bowling coach for the upcoming three-Test series against India, a much-anticipated matchup in the current World Test Championship cycle.

Oram, a veteran right-arm pacer, will officially assume his role on October 7. With a background that includes participation in three Cricket World Cups and four T20 World Cups, he brings significant expertise to the Blackcaps, who are presently under the guidance of coach Gary Stead.

The Test series is set to begin with the first match in Bengaluru from October 16 to 20, followed by fixtures in Pune (October 24-28) and Mumbai (November 1-5).

At 46 years old, Oram has previously worked as New Zealand’s bowling coach during the recent T20 World Cup held in the Americas and has also served in a similar capacity for the New Zealand women’s team during the 2022 World Cup at home.

According to a statement from New Zealand Cricket, Oram has been engaged 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 the West Indies.

Currently, New Zealand sits in third place in the World Test Championship standings, trailing only India and Australia, and is in a strong position to qualify for the final for the second time in three editions.

Reflecting on his appointment, Oram shared his excitement: "It’s a real honour to return to a team that holds such significance in my life. The recent opportunities I've had have provided valuable insights into the team's direction, and I'm eager to continue contributing to this journey in the upcoming seasons."

Head coach Gary Stead commended Oram, emphasising the importance of his extensive playing and coaching background: "Jake is an exceptional addition. His career as a player and his coaching experiences are impressive. He brings a profound understanding of the international game and insights from franchise cricket, which are vital for comprehending the modern player and the evolving dynamics of the sport."