Oram cleared for World Cup despite ankle pain

Jacob Oram has inflammation around the ankle joint, but no tear or break © AFP Enlarge

New Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram, who missed the final one-dayer against Pakistan after injuring his ankle while warming up for the game, has been cleared for the World Cup. Oram was relieved to get the go-ahead following an MRI scan, x-ray and independent medical assessment.

"I developed ankle pain and although it didn't feel serious I wasn't able to bowl without discomfort," Oram said. "The medical staff got the necessary assessment done and I was sweating on the results but pleased when the doctor let me know that I was fit to travel with the team to the World Cup. I have inflammation around the joint so not a significant tear or break.

"I've worked hard over the last six months to get fully fit so it is extremely disappointing to pick up another niggle. However I am confident it isn't too serious and am determined to do everything I can to be fully fit for the first match."

New Zealand Cricket medical staff will continually assess and treat the ankle while Oram is in India. He is expected to be available for selection for the warm-up match against Ireland on February 12. New Zealand play another practice game, against India on the 16th, before kicking off their tournament against Kenya on the 20th.