Jacob Oram Appointed as New Zealand’s Bowling Coach Ahead of India Tour
The New Zealand cricket team is gearing up for their tour of India scheduled for October-November this year. This tour will feature a three-match Test series, prompting the Kiwi team to focus on solidifying their preparations. In a significant move, they have appointed Jacob Oram as their new bowling coach, who will take over on October 7th, coinciding with the team’s arrival in India for the Test series. Oram replaces Shane Jurgensen in this vital role. Having played alongside Indian cricket legends MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in the IPL, Oram brings invaluable experience of Indian pitches, making him a prime asset for the team’s bowling strategy.
New Zealand’s Upcoming India Tour Schedule
Jacob Oram’s appointment comes just a week before the start of the New Zealand tour in India. The first Test match is set to kick off on October 16th in Bengaluru, followed by the second Test on October 24th in Pune. The final Test will take place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, starting November 1st. The series promises to be an exciting contest as both teams will be looking to assert their dominance on the field.
Jacob Oram’s Coaching Journey
While Jacob Oram has been assisting the New Zealand team in various capacities—contributing to last year’s Test series during the Bangladesh tour, this year’s home T20 series against Australia, and the T20 World Cup 2024—this appointment marks a significant step in his coaching career. Previously, Oram served as the bowling coach for New Zealand A and the women’s cricket team from 2018 to 2021. His experience also extends to various T20 leagues, enriching his ability to guide players effectively.
Experience in IPL: A Valuable Asset
Having played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Jacob Oram has a profound understanding of Indian pitches, which could be crucial for the New Zealand bowling unit. During his IPL career, he represented MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians. In total, he played 18 IPL matches, scoring 106 runs and taking 9 wickets, further building his familiarity with conditions in India.
A Historic Moment with Sachin Tendulkar
Jacob Oram made his international debut in 2001 in One-Day Internationals and played his first Test match against India in 2002. Notably, his first Test wicket was that of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. As he returns to India as a coach, Oram is tasked with galvanizing the New Zealand team to succeed on these familiar grounds, aiming to replicate his past achievements and contribute to the team’s strategy for overcoming formidable opponents.
Conclusion
With Jacob Oram at the helm as the new bowling coach, the New Zealand cricket team is poised to face India with enhanced strategies and insights. His wealth of experience in the IPL and international cricket provides a solid foundation for the bowlers as they prepare for what promises to be an intriguing Test series. Fans will be keenly watching to see how Oram’s insights and expertise translate into performance on the field during this critical tour.
