If Stephen Fleming were suddenly to become unavailable as New Zealand captain there are not a lot of replacements on the horizon.

Craig McMillan is an obvious contender while Jacob Oram's development as a provincial leader this summer sets him up as a possible long-term prospect.

Fleming became the record-holder for most Tests as captain in the second Test against Pakistan and at 27 he may well continue for years to come.

Until now there has been no real candidate to take over, particularly as Fleming's overall Test captaincy record is as good, if not better than any previous national skipper.

But, this season, a new man, with enough stature to fill the daunting job in the future has emerged.

One of New Zealand's newest internationals, Jacob Oram, has a huge physical presence. He has also made a massive impact on New Zealand cricket since his first-class debut, for the New Zealand Academy in late 1997, aged just 19.

This season has seen the 201cm giant become Central Districts captain, play for New Zealand and hold up the Shell Cup for CD's first win since 1984/85.

His next honour is to lead the Stags in their attempt to win the inaugural Champions Cup tournament beginning on March 29th in Perth, Western Australia.

He told CricInfo, "It's going to be a big challenge - a big ask. The Indian champs, the Aussies and South Africans are going to be tough. We were pleasantly surprised to win here, because we had a young bowling attack especially. We surpassed all expectations winning here and we're going over there to do the same thing and show a few people up and have a win."

"I know all the other teams are going to miss their Test stars, the likes of Adam Gilchrist with Western Australia. To be honest it's not a bad thing we don't know a lot about the other teams, because we'll be going over there just worrying about ourselves. If we play to our ability we'll give ourselves a chance."

Ironically Oram's rise has become a double-edged sword. If he makes his Test debut at Hamilton against Pakistan he will miss the first game in Perth. If he is twelfth man he will go over and just miss a couple of days preparation. If not selected he'll be happy to fly over with the boys.

Born in Palmerston North 22 years ago, he is New Zealand's youngest provincial captain, and one of the country's most exciting all-round prospects.

Oram is the tallest, and one of the heaviest men to represent New Zealand at cricket.

Oram is an accomplished soccer goalkeeper, who has played for New Zealand at Under-20 age group level. He has also played volleyball for North Island Secondary Schools.

Batting left-handed and bowling right, he is proving to be an adaptable player and was one of the success stories of the recent ODI's. He and James Franklin have helped vindicate Sir Richard Hadlee's selection policy. Oram has shown great maturity in stepping up and his selection as twelfth man in the second Test at Christchurch shows he is not just seen as a one-day prospect by the selectors.

As regards the future Test captaincy, Oram level-headedly concludes, "I've heard it from a couple of people. Obviously playing for your country is an honour and to captain it is a step higher because you're leading the other ten guys who are playing for their country."

"Obviously, I'd love it. I really would and I'd put all my efforts into doing well for the team and the country. But I'm not making it a goal of mine. If I play well and I keep being picked then one day down the line that could happen, but at the moment I'm just really keen on doing well for myself and for the team and to be selected."

© CricInfo