You are in > manchester.com  > News > Oram hip injury delivers another blow to New Zealand

Cricket

Oram hip injury delivers another blow to New Zealand

21/03/2008

New Zealand have been rocked by news that they will be without key all-rounder Jacob Oram for the final Test against England.

Seam bowler Kyle Mills had already been ruled out with a knee injury and Oram has joined him on the sidelines with a hip complaint.

Oram will be replaced by Grant Elliott who will be making his Test debut in Napier. The 29-year-old averages 27.94 with the bat and has also taken 58 wickets in 38 matches during his first class career.

Captain Daniel Vettori said that he had faith in Elliott, and Kyle Mills' replacement Tim Southee, adding that the absence of Oram and Mills simply gave other players the chance to shine.

He said: "As a New Zealand side we've been through a lot of injuries in the past and it's always given guys opportunities to step up and invariably some have, and put in performances that have led to them being in the team for a long time.

"So we're hoping Tim and Grant are both in that case as they've both got the talent to do that. They will be out to push for a place on that England tour."

The absence of Oram is a major blow to New Zealand's hopes of clinching the series. The 29-year-old took 6-90 in the second innings of the Wellington Test which allowed him to move up the ICC rankings.

The haul lifted him to fifth in the all-rounder's list and 31st in the bowling rankings, both career highs, meaning the Black Caps will be without one of their most potent weapons.