Another back problem for allrounder Jacob Oram has cast a pall over New Zealand's test cricket victory over Bangladesh in Chittagong yesterday.
The allrounder, who has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, reported back pain after bowling in Bangladesh's second innings at the Divisional Stadium and had
scans in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka today.
Oram deteriorated when bowling late on Sunday and was not required again before Bangladesh were dismissed for 245 - setting New Zealand 317 to win, a target they reached with three wickets in hand.
The 30-year-old was able to take part in the successful run chase and was not out eight when New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the two-test series.
Recently installed as one-day cricket's leading allrounder on the International Cricket Council's rankings, Oram is in doubt for the second test which starts at the Sher-e Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday.
"He was struggling with pain in his lower back," coach John Bracewell said.
"We're taking a wait and see approach."
If Oram is ruled out one-test allrounder Grant Elliott shapes as a possible replacement.
Meanwhile, Bracewell admitted the Chittagong heat took a toll on both teams, particularly the pace bowlers - though spinners shared the bulk of the workload.
Kyle Mills was spelled after five overs of Bangladesh's first innings on Friday and seemed to struggle for the duration of the match.
However, Bracewell was confident the team was acclimatising and would have no difficulty backing up for the tour finale.
"We've worked pretty heavily on their recovery.
"We're constantly weighing them and trying to get the right foods and fluid into them," he said.
- NZPA
