The CENTRAL HINDS will have a new Head Coach this summer, with JACOB ORAM to join the BLACKCAPS' coaching staff on a full-time basis from 7 October.

Oram took over the reins of Central's flagship female team this time last year, mentoring the Hinds to their first Dream11 Super Smash Grand Final since 2016, and a respectable mid-table finish in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.

Based in Palmerston North, Oram combined coaching the team with his existing role as Sport Advancement Manager for Massey University. His new job as BLACKCAPS Assistant Coach now becomes his first year-round appointment as a professional High Performance cricket coach.

It's a special one for the former Central Stags captain and BLACKCAPS allrounder, but "bittersweet" timing, he says.

The Hinds will need a new coach as well as a new captain this summer

- PHOTOSPORT -

On the one hand, it fulfills his long-held goal to be able to concentrate 100 per cent on coaching. On the other, it has necessitated stepping away from a team he had so much enjoyed working with last summer.

"My year with the Hinds was not only an awesome experience, it was a great development time for me as a coach.

"It was also the most fun I’ve had in cricket for a very long time," said Oram.

"I'll be cheering the team on and celebrating from afar this summer - wishing them every success as they move into their next exciting chapter."

The news means the Hinds will have both a new Head Coach and a new captain for 2024/25. Regular skipper NATALIE DODD is unavailable as she's expecting her first child later this year.

 

Oram will be taking over the BLACKCAPS Assistant Coach role vacated by Shane Jurgensen in November, with long-time BLACKCAPS bowling guru Jurgensen now Head Coach of the Wellington Firebirds.

Oram earned 229 caps for the BLACKCAPS as a player, and joins the staff after having supported the team as bowling coach for last year’s Test tour to Bangladesh, February’s T20I series at home against Australia and the recent ICC 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 ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand in 2021.

Oram has previously assisted both the WHITE FERNS

and BLACKCAPS in coaching roles | PHOTOSPORT

He 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.

Of the BLACKCAPS, Oram said, "There’s a fresh new wave of talent coming through the bowling ranks and I hope that I can share my knowledge and experience to help best prepare them for the challenges of international cricket.

“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.

"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.

 

NZC General Manager, High Performance Cricket 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.

“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.”

 

 

BLACKCAPS head coach GARY STEAD said Oram brought a unique skillset to the role.

“Jake’s a great operator,” he said.

“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.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity for him, and we’re looking forward to having him join the group full-time.”

Central Districts Cricket congratulates Oram on his appointment.

 

Article added: Thursday 29 August 2024