Chennai replace Oram with Bollinger

Doug Bollinger, the Australian fast bowler, has been drafted in by Chennai Super Kings as a replacement for the injured Jacob Oram, who was ruled out of the 2010 season of the IPL. Bollinger will join the team on April 5.

Sundar Raman, the IPL's chief executive, had confirmed the news on his Twitter page: "Doug Bollinger to debut for CSK, replaces injured Jacob Oram who is out for the entire series." Bollinger's inclusion will bolster Chennai's bowling attack, which sorely lacked a genuine strike bowler during a disappointing start to their campaign.

Oram suffered a patella tendon tear shortly after New Zealand's home series against Australia began and was advised rest for up to a month. His participation in the IPL was in doubt, but the franchise chose to wait before taking a final call on his replacement.

Bollinger, who came in to the Australian Test side in January 2009, has emerged as one of the team's best strike bowlers in the last year. He had an outstanding 2009-10 home season, taking 25 wickets in five Tests, against West Indies and Pakistan. He also took 15 wickets in eight ODIs against the two teams and began the Test series in New Zealand with a five-for in Wellington.