Cricket: Oram in doubt for first test

Kyle Mills has been called into the Black Caps as cover for Jacob Oram, who has a calf injury. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram is in doubt for the first cricket test against the West Indies starting tomorrow after reporting a leg injury before the final practice session at University Oval here today.

Oram, on the comeback trail after missing the 0-2 series loss in Australia with a back injury, told medical staff he had a tight left calf muscle although he was able to take a full part in training.

Auckland's Kyle Mills has been brought in as a precaution and, if Oram is clear, will be released before plays starts at 12pm.

New Zealand team manager Lindsay Crocker was hopeful Oram would participate in the first home test of the summer.

"The physio did some work on him and there's no tear or anything of any worrying nature there but Jake knows his body pretty well and he was a little bit nervous."

Oram batted in the nets, bowled and took part in fielding drills.

"He got through that well today and we think he'll most likely play tomorrow," Crocker said.

The 30-year-old looms as a key figure in the two-test series.

He will bat at six in what appears a strong New Zealand middle and lower order while he will also be expected to carry out a heavy bowling workload with his nagging medium pacers.

- NZPA