Oram Unlikely To Play For New Zealand Again

Oram Unlikely To Play For New Zealand Again

Jacon Oram has been an effective all-rounder for New Zealand during his 12-year international career.

©REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte. Picture Supplied by Action Images

New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram is unlikely to play for New Zealand again after negotiating an early release from his central contract. The 34 year-old indicated that he will become a Twenty20 freelance cricketer and continue to play for his state side, Central Districts, as well as travel the world playing in the various Twenty20 tournaments.

Various factors have led me to make this decision including my age, the stage of my career and the impending birth of my second child," Oram said. "I really enjoy the Twenty20 format and see it as a way to stay involved in cricket for a while longer."

"I have loved every minute I have been fortunate enough to play for my country but the time has come for me to prioritise other areas of my life. Fortunately as a professional cricketer I can continue to play some T20 cricket as I transition into the next phase of my life. If the timing was right, and my form and fitness warranted selection, then I would definitely be available to play T20 cricket for my country but I have absolutely no expectations of NZC in that regard."

NZC chief executive David White added: "A NZC Playing Agreement has significant obligations on players and requires a full-time commitment and focus on playing for New Zealand. Form and fitness permitting, the selectors may well consider him for matches or events in the future. However, that said, it is appropriate for me to thank Jacob for his excellent contribution to New Zealand Cricket over the past 12 years."

Oram last represented New Zealand on November 6th in a One-Day International against Sri Lanka. He scored two and took none for 43 from seven overs as New Zealand lost. He leaves the game with over 2000 ODI runs at an average of 24.09 and 173 wickets at 29.17. In 36 Twenty20 Internationals, he scored 474 runs and took 19 wickets. 

Oram retired from Tests in 2009 due to repeated injury problems with 1780 runs and 60 wickets from 33 matches. 

© Cricket World 2012