Jacob Oram

Oram is a powerful all-rounder who has established himself in New Zealand’s Test and one-day sides.

The medium-fast bowler made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in January 2001 but a foot injury meant that he did not gain his first Test cap until December 2002, against India.

The left-handed batsman fell just short of his first international century when he made 97 against Pakistan in 2003/4.

But he made up for this in the first Test against South Africa that summer when he scored 119 not out and then 90 in the second Test. This form earned him a touring spot for the England series in 2004 when the Black Caps lost 3-0.

The Central districts player missed Australia’s tour of New Zealand in 2005 with a back injury but returned in 2006 to hit his third Test century, against South Africa at Centurion.

He showed the best one-day form of his career in the triangular Commonwealth Bank Series involving hosts Australia and eventual victors England in 2006/7.

The 6ft 6in powerhouse hit his first ODI century, 101 from 72 balls, as the Black Caps narrowly failed to chase down a huge Australia total in Perth.

He broke the ring finger on his left hand, taking a catch on the boundary, in the subsequent Chappell-Hadlee Trophy against Australia which put his participation at the 2007 World Cup in doubt.

However, Oram was so desperate to take part in the competition in the West Indies that he announced he was prepared to have the finger amputated if it allowed him to play. Luckily this was not necessary.