Jacob Oram believes his attacking method is 'high-risk' and looks to bat with more control © Getty Images

Jacob Oram, the New Zealand allrounder known for his big-hitting exploits, says that he prefers playing a more controlled innings rather than beginning in attack mode.

In New Zealand's recent record run chase against Australia at Christchurch, Oram contributed a vital 42 from 37 balls - including two big sixes - as he partnered Scott Styris in a crucial stand that took his side closer to a win. The required run rate at that stage was already around 10 runs per over, so Oram said it was satisfying to put decent bat to ball.

"It was a buzz hitting the ball like that," Oram told stuff.co.nz on Monday. "But it's not something I'd like to do every time I go out to bat, because it's fairly high-risk. To be honest with you, it (power hitting) has got nothing to do with timing, it's just how hard you want to swing."

Oram rates his contribution in that historic win as among the top three in terms of satisfaction during his five-year New Zealand career. "It's great to be back and it's awesome to be playing at home again. Playing on your own grounds in front of your own crowds," he said. "I had a couple of tours away during the winter and that was great to get back into the mix and the cricket environment.

Oram was sidelined for much of this year with a back injury, and has been taking it a match at a time. "It (the back) is okay at the moment," he said. "To be fair I don't take any day for granted, it's just a matter of keeping on top of it and managing it, and that's what I basically tell people."

Though he would have liked to contribute more with the ball - he failed to pick up a wicket in three matches - Oram added that the experience of just playing international cricket had motivated him to work harder. "To be back at home and playing some pretty awesome games in front of some very noisy crowds was great," he said. "I'm looking forward to the rest of the summer now."

New Zealand play five one-day internationals at home against Sri Lanka starting on New Year's Eve.