Coach Jacob Oram looks on during a New Zealand A Training Session, held at John Davies Oval, on the 11th of March 2024, in Queenstown, New Zealand. (Image by Joe Allison / Photosport) Photo: Joe Allison
Former international Jacob Oram is the Black Caps new bowling coach
The former Black Caps and Central Districts all-rounder takes over the role vacated by Shane Jurgensen in November.
Oram, who played 229 games for New Zealand, officially joins the Black Caps after supporting the team as bowling coach in last year's Test tour to Bangladesh, February's T20 series at home against Australia and the along with the recent T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
Oram began his transition into coaching in 2014 as bowling coach with New Zealand A, and took up the role of White Ferns bowling coach in 2018, supporting the team through to the end of the World Cup in New Zealand in 2021.
He was appointed as head coach of the Central Districts women's team at the start of last summer and led the side to their first Super Smash final since 2016.
He has has also served as the Northern Warriors assistant coach in the Abu Dhabi T10 league and as bowling coach of Mumbai Indians Cape Town in the SA20.
Emma McLeod of the Central Hinds speaks with head coach Jacob Oram. Central Hinds training at Eden Park Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday 27 January 2024. Photo credit: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Photo: Andrew_Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Oram said he's delighted to be appointed to the role.
"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to be involved with the Black Caps again," Oram said.
"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.
"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."
Oram played 33 Tests, 160 ODIs and 36 T20Is across an 11-year international career and featured at three ODI Cricket World Cups and four T20 World Cups.
NZC GM High Performance Cricket's Bryan Stronach said Oram was an excellent fit for the role.
"Jake brings a wealth of experience to the role both from his playing days and also his body of work as a bowling coach since retiring as a player," Stronach said.
"He has a great cricket brain and a good understanding of the modern game and needs of players.
"The feedback we've received from the playing group from Jake's recent roles with the team has been very positive and we know he's eager to build on the work over the upcoming seasons.
"He's really well respected by the group and we're confident he will add a lot to the environment."
Black Caps head coach Gary Stead said Oram brought a unique skillset to the role.
"Jake's a great operator. His career as a player and his experiences as a coach speak for themselves," Stead said.
"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.
"It's a really exciting opportunity for him and we're looking forward to having him join the group full-time."
Oram will officially begin the role on 7 October.