Injury-prone New Zealand allrounder Jacob Oram has denied suggestions he is saving himself for the lucrative Indian Premier League in South Africa at the expense of playing the current test series against India.
Oram will take no part in the three-test series after the experienced international player confirmed he had
aggravated an Achilles tendon strain that plagued him during the one-day series against the Indians.
The injury forced his withdrawal from Central Districts' current domestic four-day match against Auckland but hoped he would be fit for the State Championship final against the same opponents at Lincoln, outside Christchurch, on April 6.
Oram told The Dominion Post newspaper if he was not able to play or complete the five-day final he would not be available to fulfil his US$675,000 ($1,221,277) contract with the Chennai Super Kings.
He aggravated the injury while bowling against Canterbury in the last round of the State Championship in New Plymouth last week.
"I can understand people thinking I'm cotton-wooling myself but I'll definitely take myself out (of the IPL) if I don't get through the final," Oram said.
After the ODI series with India ended in Auckland on March 14 Oram made himself unavailable for the first two tests against India.
Following consultation with New Zealand Cricket selectors and medical staff it was decided he should build his fitness and form in the domestic competition.
Chennai are scheduled to open the second edition of the IPL against Mumbai in Cape Town on April 18.
- NZPA
