KEY POINTS:
It wasn't the most auspicious start to an interview.
News had filtered around Fitzherbert Park in Palmerston North yesterday that Central Districts allrounder Jacob Oram (pictured right) would be leaving today, to link up with the New Zealand team playing in the Commonwealth Bank one-day series in Australia.
So, come the end of the day's play between themselves and Otago, the logical thing was to sidle up to the big man and ask him for a reaction. Here's how it went.
Q: So you're off to Australia then?
A: Am I?
Q: Yeah, Graham Barlow (CD coach) just told me he'd been asked to pass on that message by the national selectors.
A: As far as I'm concerned, I haven't been officially selected, so I'm not going to take it via Chinese whispers. I may have a message on my phone, but all I've been thinking about is trying to get through today.
Cue the uncomfortable silence.
Things did continue from there, with Oram talking about his frustrating time on the sideline and the possibility that he may revert to his previous role as a specialist batsman, should his horror injury run continue.
It was here that the departing Stags and Otago players, unwittingly, returned the conversation to it's original topic. As each walked by there was a shout of 'good luck in Australia Jake'.
Knowing the game was up, Oram broke into a grin and said "yeah, I'm going."
"Seriously though, I haven't heard. GB (Graham Barlow) just came up to me at the end and said 'they want me to pass on that you're going'. I still haven't spoken to anyone (from the Black Caps' camp) about it," said Oram.
Exciting then?
'Yeah, it is. The guys have played in Hobart and that's the smallest of the four venues, so we'll be at the better and bigger parks, with more people and more abuse. So it's a massive challenge.
"I've played over there a couple of times already and you know you're in a fight. But, at the same time, you look at it as being the ultimate challenge in cricket. I know it's a cliche, but it's kinda what you play for."
Still, in the form Australia is in, it's a massive challenge. So, is he physically ready and does he think New Zealand can actually tip the Aussies over?
"I do. I've actually been trying to push myself pretty hard (playing for the Stags) and that's why I know. I've pushed myself as hard as I would in any international game. So I was really happy with today (where he scored 70 not out and took two for 44) because I thought everything I tried to do was right up to the mark.
"As for Australia, I'm not there at the moment and privy to the team talks and tactics, but I would be surprised if they're not going out there with the mindset of trying to beat Australia every time.
"If you can compete against the Aussies and push them hard and even win a few games, then it gives you the confidence to push ahead. They're number one in the world for a reason, so if you can compete with them, push them and beat them, you're only going to go good places after that."
New Zealand play Australia at the SCG on Sunday, with Oram likely to come into the equation for the first of their two games at the Adelaide Oval, against England on Tuesday.
