Oram gets son, fresh outlook

Jacob Oram has a new perspective on his cricketing career following the birth of his first child.

The big Manawatu all-rounder was in action for Central Districts during their 20-run loss to Auckland at Fitzherbert Park yesterday and scored 14 and returned a tidy 1-36 from his 10 overs with the ball.

His son, Patrick, was born during the first test match between New Zealand and Pakistan earlier this month and Oram said it was life changing.

"One [change] for the better," he said. "Everything's a bit more into perspective.

"I obviously still care and I want to win playing cricket, that's a given, this is my job.

"But the funny thing is you do realise cricket isn't the No1 priority."

The 31-year-old family man, who retired from test cricket earlier this year to prolong his career in the shorter formats, said he hadn't wanted to change his decision to step down, even when he watched the Black Caps beat Pakistan.

"I needed to do that. The body couldn't handle it.

"I had a little bit of a fleeting moment of regret when they won that first test because it was more about knowing the celebrations that were going to happen more than anything else."

Oram said he would be back in top form after a few more matches for Central because he was rusty after his break.

- © Fairfax NZ News