Oram cleared for World Cup despite suffering ankle injury

Wellington, Feb 6 (PTI) New Zealand all-rounder JacobOram has got the go-ahead to travel to the sub-continent forthe forthcoming World Cup after sustaining an injury beforethe final one-dayer against Pakistan.

Oram was expected to play in the final one-dayer at EdenPark but suffered an ankle injury while bowling before thematch. But the all-rounder was today given the all-clearfollowing an MRI scan, x-ray and an independent medicalassessment.

"I developed ankle pain and although it didn''t feelserious I wasn''t able to bowl without discomfort," Oram saidin a NZC statement.

"The medical staff got the necessary assessment done andI was sweating on the results but pleased when the doctor letme know that I was fit to travel with the team to the WorldCup.

"I have inflammation around the joint so not asignificant tear or break."

Injury has been Oram''s bane over the past few years.

He was sent home from Sri Lanka last August with arecurrence of a knee tendon injury. Following surgery hereturned to the side for the one-day series against Pakistan.

"I''ve worked hard over the last six months to get fullyfit so it is extremely disappointing to pick up anotherniggle.

"However, I am confident it isn''t too serious and amdetermined to do everything I can to be fully fit for thefirst match." PTI AH