Women's World Cup 2022: New Zealand's assistant coach Jacob Oram returns home as wife, children contract Covid-19

New Zealand Women’s assistant coach Jacob Oram has left the squad in the ongoing Women’s World Cup 2022 and returned home after learning that his wife and two children have contracted Covid-19. Team’s head coach Bob Carter confirmed the development and he was supportive of Oram’s decision. Notably, the former New Zealand all-rounder has been a vital part of the team’s support staff for a while.

Hence, his exit midway through the competition can be a significant blow for the home team, which has won just two of its first six games. This also means the White Ferns are all but out of the semi-finals race now as going through the next stage isn’t in their hand anymore. They apparently need the results of several other teams to go in their favour alongside them winning their last league-stage game against Pakistan.

We fully support Jacob Oram and his need to return home: Bob Carter

However, they now need to move forward without the assistance of Oram. “Ultimately, family is the most important thing, so we fully support Jacob and his need to return home and care for his loved ones,” Carter was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Meanwhile, Oram’s exit isn’t the only blow for the Kiwi side. Veteran duo Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu are set to be assessed in Christchurch, having picked up injuries during their one-wicket defeat against England on Sunday (March 20). Skipper Devine was batting at 37 when she had to leave the field midway amid back issues. Although she returned to bat, the veteran opener could only add four more runs to her tally.

She couldn’t take the field during England’s innings and Amy Satterthwaite took over as the stand-in skipper. As far as Tahuhu is concerned, the experienced pacer developed hamstring issues during her first spell in the game. The 31-year-old eventually left the field after bowling 4.4 overs. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s league-stage clash against Pakistan will take place on Saturday. Hence, the home team would want two of their key players to overcome their fitness issues.