Black Caps coach John Bracewell is confident Chris Cairns and Jacob Oram will be able to operate fully as allrounders in next month's one-day cricket series against Australia.
Both were named in the side yesterday for the three-match Chappell-Hadlee series, although captain Stephen Fleming is in doubt because of a
"personal medical matter".
Both Cairns and Oram satisfied Bracewell with their fitness during a pre-season tournament at Lincoln.
"I'm completely satisfied that, given no more hiccups, both Chris and Jake will be able to contribute as full allrounders; that is bat and bowl," Bracewell said.
Cairns was widely tipped to win a recall after increasing his work rate over the past couple of months, and Oram received the nod after proving that he'd recovered from the groin-strain that marred his South African campaign.
Bracewell praised Cairns' attitude, saying he had addressed all the issues pointed out when he was dropped in September.
"He understands that it is a big step up to play Australia but I'm happy that if he continues with the work ethic he has shown he will be up to the task," Bracewell said.
"Christopher has shown a great deal of discipline in his training and we believe he is ready for a return."
Oram also proved his fitness, Bracewell said.
"He bowled during these (academy) matches, seems free of back pain at present and appears to be regaining form and confidence."
New Zealand Cricket said Fleming was in doubt because of a private medical matter, that no further comment would be offered, and that media should respect his privacy in the lead-up to the first match against Australia.
The news follows an initial setback for Fleming at this time last year, when he returned from the tour of Bangladesh and appeared fatigued and tired.
Bracewell has opted for the extra batting insurance of James Marshall in an extended party of 14 he named yesterday.
Bracewell said if Fleming was ruled out, vice-captain Daniel Vettori would take the reins, as he did during last season's ODI series in Bangladesh.
"I hope it won't happen, but if it does it'll do neither Dan nor the team any harm at all.
"Dan's been developing the leadership side of his game, he received a taste of the job in Bangladesh last season, and -- given the situation now -- we're pleased we took that step."
* The series begins in Auckland on December 3, followed by matches at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on December 7 and in Christchurch on December 10.
- NZPA
Black Caps coach John Bracewell is confident Chris Cairns and Jacob Oram will be able to operate fully as allrounders in next month's one-day cricket series against Australia.
Both were named in the side yesterday for the three-match Chappell-Hadlee series, although captain Stephen Fleming is in doubt because of a
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