Central Districts captain Jacob Oram had his nose back in his business management books at Massey University near Palmerston North when word came through that he was wanted on Test duty by the New Zealand cricket selectors.

Having captained the New Zealand A side to victory over Pakistan, Oram thought that with CD's involved in the Perth International tournament at the end of the month that would be the end of his cricket for the summer.

But he made such a good impression in leading the CD team from 0-1 down in the home and away best-of-three finals of the Shell Cup, and after his inclusion in the New Zealand one-day team, that his expertise was wanted after the first Test debacle in Auckland.

He also showed more than a useful degree of understanding of the requirements of reverse swinging the ball in the nets at Jade Stadium today.

Having seen the Pakistan batting fall over so dramatically in the New Zealand A game, he was surprised at the huge turnaround in confidence the Pakistanis managed. But the pitch for the A game had been seamer friendly and the spinners were always going to be a factor in Auckland.

Oram also had some feelings for James Franklin who he felt was the player he had replaced and who had been dropped after one game. But it was a break for him and he was keen to take it.

He had been thinking about getting more speed to his bowling but he has been able to get reverse swing before, and especially during a Shell Trophy match in Wanganui.

And if that can be done in Christchurch, it will be a more than useful tool for skipper Stephen Fleming to consider.

It will cap an outstanding summer for Oram should he make the final playing XI and be another big step in the advancement of his international career as an all-rounder.

© CricInfo