KEY POINTS:
A rare and emphatic cricket victory over Australia has been soured by a serious finger injury to Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram, clouding his availability for next month's World Cup.
Oram fractured the top of the ring finger on his left hand when dismissing Mitchell Johnson late in Australia's innings of 148 at Westpac Stadium -- a total New Zealand surpassed in just the 27th over without loss.
Oram, who starred during New Zealand ultimately futile Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series campaign, took a regulation catch in the deep but his finger folded inwards as he took the ball in reverse cup style.
He was in obvious distress when he leaving the field and was taken for x-rays which confirmed the fracture.
He returned to the stadium to watch New Zealand's successful run chase but was unavailable for comment.
New Zealand Cricket hoped to have a clearer view of Oram's World Cup prospects tomorrow but he is unlikely to play any further part in the three-match series.
Oram was the third casualty of the series after Brett Lee flew home today after suffering ligament damage to his left ankle while fielding at the Basin reserve yesterday.
Batsman Michael Clarke, who arrived in New Zealand carrying a hip problem, flies back to Sydney tomorrow after it was decided he would not be risked.
- NZPA
