Cricket: Oram backs NZC stand on Zimbabwe

Black Caps all rounder Jacob Oram has backed New Zealand Cricket (NZC) over the Zimbabwe tour.

While the Government mulls over its directive to NZC, Oram said he is behind his employer's stand on travelling to the troubled nation.

He said the Black Caps are constantly being fed information on the Zimbabwe situation, and he is confident they have all made the right decision to tour.

Oram said they have certain commitments they have to meet to remain part of the international cricket community.

He has just returned to the bowling crease after a long layoff with a back injury, and has had to alter his technique.

He said he was happy with his progress, but he will not be jumping into a heavy workload immediately.

He has a quota to fill every week and he will be cruising in off a shorter run up for a while so that, hopefully, by the Zimbabwe tour he will be fully fit to bowl his share.

Oram picked up one for 11 off five overs in the New Zealand Academy's one wicket win over an Australian Institute of Sport team in Brisbane.

He has decided not to play for an international 11 against a Pakistan 11 in the Middle East at the end of the month in order to recover for the Zimbabwe tour.

- NEWSTALK ZB