Egoistic Oram had to change to keep his place in Kiwi squad

Wellington, February 1(ANI): New Zealand all rounder Jacob Oram has confessed that he initially used to take his downgrading in the batting order personally, and has matured enough now to realize the importance of being in the team.

"I actually used to get upset about it in the past. I took it as a blow to the ego, but I've kind of grown up now, and as long as I'm in the 11, I don't care, and I know I still have a job to do," Stuff.co.nz quoted Oram, as saying.

The 33-year old said he was aware that he needed to improve to keep up his place in the Black Caps' squad.

"It had to [improve]. Because the wheels had fallen off my batting. If I wanted to stay in the side, then I needed to work on my bowling. It was pretty simple really," he added.

Oram also believes he isn't the player he was during his peak and is aware that he has to be happy with whatever opportunities he is getting.

"I really have changed. I'm not a batter that bats at No. 6 and bowls second change anymore. Now, I'm more likely to bat seven, eight or nine and bowl first change. (ANI)