New Zealand's Oram breaks finger against Aussies

WELLINGTON, Feb 16 (Reuters) New Zealand's record 10-wicket win over Australia in Wellington toiday was soured by an injury to all-rounder Jacob Oram.

Oram broke the third finger on his left hand while taking a routine catch to dismiss Mitchell Johnson, the New Zealand Press Associated reported.

He immediately left the field and was taken to a nearby hospital where X-rays confirmed the fracture.

New Zealand officials told the NZPA it was too early to assess whether Oram was in danger of missing the World Cup, starting in the West Indies next month, but he was likely to skip the remaining two matches against Australia.

Oram, 28, is a key figure in New Zealand's World Cup plans because of his all-round abilities and powerful lower-order batting.

He was one of New Zealand's best players during the recent tri-series in Australia, scoring the fastest ever one-day century by a New Zealander when he blasted an unbeaten hundred off 71 balls against the hosts in Perth.

REUTERS SAM ND1618