Jacob Oram
The BLACKCAPS all-rounder talks about the match against the Sri Lanka, playing Zimbabwe, the confidence in the camp and the standout performances by Ryder and McCullum.
On the confidence within the team…
“There is a good buzz in the team. We know that Sri Lanka are a tough Twenty20 team and we had a very good win against them. Not only have they got a good side, all 11 players, but the conditions suited them down to the ground so it was a hell of a win the other night and we took a lot out of it.”
On our versatile bowling options to take on the slower pitches…
“We have shown that already in the tournament. Vettori is quality, Nathan McCullum is stepping up every game and there is someone like Scott Styris who bowls his fast off-spin.”
“Change of deliveries has come into play a lot so far, so I think we have got enough variation to make it count. While the conditions won’t suit the fast bowlers, I think the quality quickies will still some to the fore and they will know what to do and they will adapt and hopefully the likes of Tim Southee and Shane Bond can do that.”
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On the BLACKCAPS next opponent, Zimbabwe…
“They have beaten Australia and Pakistan leading up to this tournament. OK, they were warm up games, but you have still got to do it and they have done it well. We know if we let our guard down we could have a rude awakening so we have got to make sure we are ready for it.”
On the individuals in the team…
“We have (still got 15 to choose from), Touch wood, so lets hope that continues. Its not often we come to a major tournament, I can’t remember the last time we had the best possible 15 available and continue to be available. We have been here over a week now and so far so good. As I say, lets make sure it continues.”
On performances by Jesse Ryder and Nathan McCullum…
“Jesse is obviously world class. He picked up in the IPL Twenty20 competition and people know how destructive he can be.”
“It’s someone like Nathan McCullum, who for the last 12-18 months has continually improved and now he has been given a regular opportunity he has really taken it. It was awesome seeing him finish the job last night because he is capable of being pretty destructive with the bat and he is also a threat in the field and bowling as well.
On his own recent performances…
“I’m playing a funny sort of a role where against the West Indies we were in trouble and I go in the 8th over. We are doing OK and against Sri Lanka and I go in with three overs to go. So whatever is asked of me I make sure I do it well.”
“With the ball Vettori is bowling anywhere from inside the first six, to inside the death, so again what ever is asked of me with the ball or the bat I just have to make sure I am up for it.”
