Fit again Kiwi all-rounder Oram targets India series

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Wellington (New Zealand), Feb.17 (ANI): Black Caps all rounder Jacob Oram has pronounced himself fully fit and is targeting the forthcoming series against India as his comeback in international cricket.

Oram has been out of action with an Achilles tendon strain, but his rapid recovery has ensured that he flys to Dunedin to join Central Districts for their Twenty20 match against Otago tomorrow.

Manawatu fans should have the pleasure of seeing Oram back playing for Central Districts in the Twenty20 match against Canterbury at Fitzherbert Park next Sunday.

Oram said his tendon feels as if it is close to 100 percent repaired after his slow buildup in the gym.

"If I left it any longer, the Indian series would be gone and the season would be a write-off. I'm confident I will be OK," the New Zealand Prress Association quoted him, as saying.

Over the last five weeks, he gave the injury time to settle down, then worked on strengthening the calf before running and bowling. He has been training with match intensity and bowling off a full run at the indoor facilities at Eden Park alongside Manawatu and CD wicketkeeper Bevan Griggs.

Oram and wife Mara have sold their house in Palmerston North and are now living in Auckland. They moved there to have a bit of fun while they're still young. They are renting a house and eventually intend to return to Manawatu. Oram said he will always play for CD and if necessary, for United and Manawatu, and said there was no reason to shift allegiances.

After India's tour, there's the Indian Premier League, the possibility of the Stanford Twenty20 quadrangular tournament, the Twenty20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy in September. (ANI)