Bacup to sign top New Zealander by Nigel Stockley - 20th January 2005

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Player:

JDP Oram

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DateLine: 20th January 2005

 

Bacup have agreed terms with New Zealand all rounder Jacob Oram as professional for 2005. The 26 year-old left handed batsman and right arm medium pace bowler turned down several county sides who were keen to sign him because he doesn't want to play too much cricket.

 

Oram's Test figures are impressive, having scored 1002 runs at 43.5, including two centuries, and taken 35 wickets at 36.0 in 17 matches since his debut against India in the 2002-03 season. In One Day Internationals, he has scored 827 runs at 17.6 and he has also taken 83 wickets at 28.6 in 70 matches.

 

The 6'6'' New Zealander, who is captain of his state side Central Districts, will be Bacup's second professional from that country following Ross Ormiston who was paid man in 1983 and 1984.

 

Oram may miss the opening match of the season at Enfield on April 17th as New Zealand are rescheduling two Tests with Sri Lanka in April.

 

Bacup, who appointed David Ormerod as captain late last year, have arranged pre-season friendlies at St Annes and Fleetwood.