Former New Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram has been appointed as the permanent bowling coach of the men’s cricket team, stepping into the role left vacant by Shane Jurgensen in November 2023.
Oram will officially take over the position starting October 7.
Oram’s appointment follows his recent contributions to the team, where he supported New Zealand during key series, including the 1-1 Test series draw against Bangladesh in late 2023, the 3-0 T20I series loss to Australia in February 2024, and the Men’s T20 World Cup in June 2024, where New Zealand was eliminated in the group stages.
The 46-year-old began his coaching career in 2014 as the bowling coach of New Zealand A and later served as the bowling coach for the New Zealand Women’s cricket team from 2018 until the Women’s ODI World Cup on home soil in March 2022.
In addition to his national coaching roles, Oram has amassed considerable experience coaching in various franchise leagues.
He has been the head coach of the Central Hinds in the Super Smash, the assistant coach of the Northern Warriors in the T10 league, and the bowling coach of MI Cape Town in the SA20.
Reflecting on his 11-year international playing career, during which he represented New Zealand in 33 Tests, 160 ODIs, and 36 T20Is, Oram expressed his enthusiasm for his new role.
He hopes to impart his knowledge to the emerging bowlers in the squad, preparing them for the challenges of international cricket.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to be involved with the Black Caps again,” Oram said.
“To be back with a team that means so much to me and has been a big part of my life is a real honor.
The recent opportunities I’ve had have provided great insights into the team’s direction, and I’m eager to continue that work in the coming seasons.
“There’s a fresh wave of talent in the Black Caps bowling ranks, and I hope to share my knowledge and experience to help prepare them for the challenges of international cricket.”
Head coach Gary Stead also expressed his delight at Oram’s appointment, highlighting the value of his extensive experience as both a player and a coach.
“Jake’s a great operator,” Stead said.
“His career as a player and his coaching experiences speak for themselves.
He brings a deep understanding of the international game and valuable insights from franchise cricket, which will be crucial in understanding the modern player and the evolving landscape of the game.
It’s an exciting opportunity for him, and we’re looking forward to having him join the group full-time.”
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