Cricket: Double century satisfies Broom

Neil Broom
Neil Broom
Otago batsman Neil Broom enhanced his claims for a spot in the Black Caps test line-up with an undefeated double century during a Plunket Shield match against Northern Districts at the Queenstown Events Centre yesterday.

The punishing right-hander became just the eighth Otago batsman to reach the milestone, joining Bert Sutcliffe (5), Roger Blunt (2), JR Reid, Matt Horne, Ken Rutherford, Ian Rutherford and Rob Lawson.

Despite Broom's superb innings of 203, the Volts had to be content with a draw. Otago declared immediately following the milestone, at 438 for eight. That left Northern chasing an unlikely target of 365 from 72 overs.

Northern reached 142 for two at tea before both captains agreed a result was unlikely.

While a win proved elusive, Broom, who was on 134 overnight, was pleased with what was an outstanding start to the summer.

The 26-year-old was undone four runs short of 200 last summer and was not sure if the opportunity would come around again.

With his side eager to declare, Broom had to score the last 30 or so runs as quickly as he could.

"I tried to play a few more shots and not take too long," he said.

"You don't know how hard to push - whether to work the ones or get it quickly."

On 199, and with the field up cutting off the single, Broom went down the wicket and whacked Trent Boult through mid-on to raise the milestone.

"I've scored nine 100s now but to knock 200 off felt really good."

Neil was not the only Broom to make a telling contribution for Otago. He combined in a brilliant partnership with his younger brother, Darren, on day three.

With Otago's second innings teetering at 33 for four, the brothers came to the rescue adding 252 - an Otago fifth-wicket record against Northern Districts - to eventually place the side in a position to set up a run chase on the final day.

"To get ourselves out of trouble and into a strong position was really satisfying. It was one of the better partnerships I've been in."

Otago coach Mike Hesson described Broom's innings as "outstanding".

"He has scored a lot of runs at first-class level and was on standby for a test last year but missed out on the opportunity to play. Since then he has come back and continued to score runs, so I'm sure he is someone who is in the selectors' minds."

As good as Broom's innings was it cannibalised crucial overs which would have been available to the Otago attack.

"We were only 235 ahead at the start of the day with 97 overs to go. So the first hour was just about trying to get ourselves into a position where we could dictate the game," Hesson said when asked if the declaration was left too late.

"In the end, they needed five an over for [72 overs] which was getable. It was still a very flat surface."

Northern coach Grant Bradburn disagreed. He thought the declaration came too late.

"It was just such a shame. Everything was so well set up for a real good finale but unfortunately the game just fizzled away.

"I think [Otago] need to take some responsibility for letting that happen," Bradburn said.


THE 200 CLUB
Players to have scored double centuries for Otago:

• Bert Sutcliffe (5)
• Roger Blunt (2)
• JR Reid
• Matt Horne
• Ken Rutherford
• Ian Rutherford
• Rob Lawson
• Neil Broom


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