Vettori for Oram's inclusion in second Test

HAMILTON: New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori has pitched in for all-rounder Jacob Oram's inclusion in the squad for the second Test against India following the host team's dismal batting and bowling performance in the first Test which they lost by 10 wickets on Saturday.New Zealand batsmen could manage 279 in both their innings while the bowlers failed to contain the Indian batsmen, who piled up 520 in their first essay."You could consider him (Oram) just as a batsman," Vettori was quoted as saying by 'New Zealand Herald'."If he's got form under his belt, that'd be good enough for me. Also, 10-12 overs, with Jesse Ryder as well, the two of them could come together quite nicely as a fifth bowler," he added.If Oram comes back to the side he could replace either James Franklin or Kyle Mills.Oram, who returned to the New Zealand team after spending some time out due to injury, was left out of the squad for the first Test since selectors felt he was still not fit for the five-day game. Vettori, who was critical of the team's performance Saturday, feels Oram has a lot to offer to the side."Jacob, he brings so much to the table," Vettori said."He's got five Test centuries. Nobody else can say that going around New Zealand domestic cricket at the moment. He's also a very good bowler..." said the skipper whose team is down 0-1 in the three-match series.But with the hosts desperate to stage a recovery in the Napier Test starting March 26, the Kiwi selection committee might have to give in to the captain's demand, the report said.