IND vs NZ: The New Zealand Cricket Board has made a big addition to their management as they have added former Kiwi all-rounder Jacob Oram as the new bowling coach of the team. The Black Caps are all set to play nine straight Test matches between September and December.
They will face Afghanistan in a one-off test, which will be followed by a two-test series in Sri Lanka. After that, New Zealand will travel to India for a three-match Test series between October 16 and November 5.
Then they will host England for three Test matches. Hence, to give a boost to the team, the NZC has added Oram as the new bowling coach for the men’s cricket team. He will replace Shane Jurgensen for this role.
IND vs NZ: New Zealand appoint Jacob Oram as the new bowling coach ahead of India series
Notably, New Zealand have been playing without a bowling coach since November 2023, when Jurgensen left the role. Hence, now they have brought in Jacob Oram. The new bowling coach will join the team ahead of the IND vs NZ Test series.
Oram also worked as bowling coach of New Zealand’s women’s team from 2018 to 2021. He was also the assistant coach for New Zealand’s men’s team during the Bangladesh Test tour in December 2023. Oram was also part of the team in the series defeat in Australia in February 2024 and the group exit from the T20 World Cup 2024.
Oram’s expertise and experience can come in handy for the team. He played cricket for New Zealand between 2001 and 2012 and has also played for the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Hence, he is aware of the Indian playing conditions.
That can be very useful for New Zealand during the IND vs NZ series. New Zealand are currently sitting in third spot in the World Test Championship 2023-25 table. The coming Test season is very important for them. They have a great chance to finish in the top two and the IND vs NZ Test series will be very important.
New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, welcomed Oram and spoke on his role as bowling coach. He said, “Jake’s a great operator. 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.”
New Zealand are the champions of the inaugural World Test Championship. But they couldn’t make it to the finals in the last edition. But they have a bright chance ahead of them, and some good results can push them in the race of the top two.
