Broom to return to Canterbury

Batsman Neil Broom is set to end his nine-season stint with Otago and return to Canterbury, where he had made his first-class debut back in February 2003.

Broom joined Otago from the 2005-06 season and has been an important part of the side ever since. In nine seasons for Otago, Broom played 77 first-class matches for 4617 runs at an average of 41.59 with 12 centuries. His next first-class game, his first on return to Canterbury, will be his 100th.

Broom, who has played 22 ODIs and 10 T20 internationals for New Zealand, was also a valuable member of the Otago limited-overs sides, and played 67 one-day matches and 64 T20s for them.

"I have really enjoyed my time in Dunedin and would like to thank Otago Cricket for the opportunities they gave me," Broom said. "I hold the place very close to my heart after spending nine great years in Dunedin. However the time is right for me to return to Christchurch with my family."

"Neil has made a wonderful contribution to Otago Cricket since he moved down nine years ago," said Ross Dykes, the Otago Cricket CEO. "His record speaks for itself but one can never speak of Neil's batting without fondly recalling his remarkable century against Perth Scorchers at Jaipur in the Champions League in 2013. He leaves a big hole in all forms of cricket but we wish him and his family the very best for their future and thank him sincerely for all that he gave Otago on and off the field."