Jacob Oram
Jacob Oram's international career is effectively over
after he was released from his New Zealand Cricket contract.
The hard-hitting allrounder will continue to play Twenty20
cricket for Central Districts and various other teams around
the world but doesn't believe he can commit to focusing
fulltime on playing for New Zealand and the various
obligations and demands that go with having a NZC contract.
He hasn't totally ruled out playing for the Black Caps again
but, at 34, age and fitness is against him.
He has battled injury throughout his 12-year international
career and is missing from the New Zealand side thumped by
South Africa in the first Twenty20 international this morning
because of the impending birth of his second child.
He had signalled in 2011 that this year's Twenty20 World Cup
in Sri Lanka might be his international swansong but he
toured Sri Lanka in October and November.
"This was a very difficult decision but in recent weeks I
have come to the conclusion that I can no longer make a
full-time commitment to NZC," Oram said.
"Various factors have led me to make this decision including
my age, the stage of my career and the impending birth of my
second child. I really enjoy the Twenty20 format and see it
as a way to stay involved in cricket for a while longer.
"I have loved every minute I have been fortunate enough to
play for my country but the time has come for me to
prioritise other areas of my life.
"Fortunately as a professional cricketer I can continue to
play some T20 cricket as I transition into the next phase of
my life.
"If the timing was right, and my form and fitness warranted
selection, then I would definitely be available to play T20
cricket for my country but I have absolutely no expectations
of NZC in that regard."
Oram played 33 tests, 160 one-day and 36 Twenty20
internationals and was, at his peak, considered one of the
most explosive batsmen in the game. He also backed that up
with his useful medium pacers.
He retired from test cricket in 2009 to prolong his career in
limited overs cricket.
Another player will now be offered a NZC contract for the
remainder of the contract period up to July 31, 2013. An
announcement will be made in the New Year.
"We appreciate Jacob's situation and respect his decision,"
NZC chief executive David White said. "A NZC playing
agreement has significant obligations on players and requires
a fulltime commitment and focus on playing for New Zealand.
"We understand Jacob's situation and accept his request to
finish his playing agreement early."
"Jacob has been a highly valued member of the Black Caps team
and can be very proud of his achievements on the field."
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