New Zealand cricket allrounder Jacob Oram was in doubt
for next month's World Cup after suffering a serious finger injury in
the emphatic 10-wicket victory over Australia. 
Oram will definitely miss the remaining two matches of the
Chappell Hadlee Series against Australia and his future after that is
clouded after fracturing his left ring finger.
"Jacob will see a specialist in Hamilton on Monday to
determine the management of the injury," New Zealand manager Lindsay
Crocker said.
"He will remain with the squad to keep on track with his
World Cup preparations. At this stage, we are confident he will travel to the
World Cup."
Oram fractured the finger when catching Mitchell Johnson
late in Australia's innings of 148 in the first match of the series in Wellington
on Friday night.
New Zealand surpassed that total without loss in just 27 overs
to inflict Australia's first defeat without taking a wicket.
Oram is a central figure in the New Zealand team and with his
medium-fast bowling he recorded a respectable 0-22 off 10 overs to help ensure
Australia could not muster a defendable total.
Although the big-hitter was not required to bat, in the recent
tri-series against Australia and England he averaged 87 at a strike rate of
124.28 runs per 100 balls.
If Oram is cleared to play in the World Cup he may miss New
Zealand's opening game against England on March 16.
New Zealand also has group games against minnows Kenya and
Canada before the Super Eight stage determines the semifinalists.
Oram is the third casualty of the Chappell-Hadlee series being
used by New Zealand to fine tune ahead of the World Cup.
Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has gone home with an ankle
injury and batsman Michael Clarke has been ruled out with a hip problem.
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