Jacob Oram is in line to give New Zealand a boost by regaining fitness in time for the first Test against West Indies starting next Thursday. While a back injury is his main concern, Oram picked up a hairline fracture to his left index finger while playing for Central Districts in the State Championship last week

The initial problem ruled Oram out of the 2-0 defeat to Australia over the past couple of weeks and he will be a crucial man as they battle with West Indies for the No. 7 ranking. "As far as I am aware, communication with the selectors and medical staff is that as of now, I am fit for selection," he told Radio Sport. "I bowled a heap of overs against Northern Districts so the back got cleared."

Oram's next engagement is a four-day match against Otago in Napier from Friday. New Zealand missed Oram's batting during the Australia series as the line-up struggled to cope with the local bowling.