14 Mar 2009

Vettori would have Oram as a Test batsman

11:42 am on 14 March 2009

The all-rounder Jacob Oram will have one last chance to give New Zealand cricket fans something to cheer about in Auckland today in the final match of the one day series India's already won.

Oram's not available for the first Test, starting in Hamilton on Wednesday, because he doesn't think his body's ready for a five-day match.

However if Oram comes through Central Districts' next four-day State Championship match intact the Black Caps skipper Dan Vettori would be happy to have him as a specialist batsman.

Vettori says that's up to the selectors but Oram's good enough and has scored five Test centuries against good opposition, so if he can get into some form with CD then the skipper thinks that would be a good option.

The match is set to start at two o'clock - but in an ominous sign for a cricket season riddled by rain interruptions, there is rain forecast for Auckland.