Category Uncategorized

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez struggled in his club’s first game of the Premier League season but that wasn’t why he was hooked at half-time.

What is the latest Lisandro Martinez injury news?

To kick off the 2023/24 campaign, Erik ten Hag and his side welcomed Wolves to Old Trafford in what turned out to be a rather controversial fixture.

Indeed, while a single goal from Raphael Varane was enough to give Man United a 1-0 win, all the focus has been on the late drama caused by Andre Onana.

In the dying embers of the game, the new goalkeeper tried to punch clear a cross but ended up colliding with Wolves forward Sasa Kalajdzic and yet somehow avoided punishment from either referee Simon Hooper or VAR.

Opposition head coach Gary O’Neil was baffled by the incident, booked for his reaction, and then apologised to by PGMOL’s Jon Moss who conceded it was indeed a foul and the officials had made a mistake.

He said: “Jon Moss said it was a blatant penalty and should have been given – fair play to him, he apologised.”

However, despite all that second-half drama, there was also plenty of reason to focus on the performance of Martinez who really struggled in the first 45 minutes.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

After all, he made just one tackle, lost his only aerial duel, won just two of six attempted ground duels, was dribbled past twice, and failed to make a block, an interception, or a clearance (via SofaScore) when on the pitch – showing that he was hardly much use in the backline.

His ineffectiveness was highlighted in one particular passage of play too, as he was easily bypassed in the middle of the park by Matheus Cunha – this led to a great chance for Wolves, which you can see in the official highlights.

Why was Lisandro Martinez subbed at half-time vs Wolves?

Martinez also got a yellow card as he was – as per journalist Michael Plant, who gave him a 5/10 in the player ratings for Manchester World – “needlessly booked and beaten easily seconds before Sarabia fired wide, in what was a subpar showing from United’s no.6.”

And there was a belief this was why Ten Hag hooked Martinez at half-time. Adding to this, in the Manchester Evening News, journalist Samuel Luckhurst also slammed the played for a 5/10 display and noted: “Deservedly booked for a late lunge in the 17th minute, which was deemed enough of a risk for him not to re-emerge for the second half.”

However, manager Ten Hag has since stated why the 25-year-old was replaced by Victor Lindelof and it apparently has nothing to do with his form.

The Dutch managed explained (via Goal): “A little problem on his ankle, tendon. We’ll see but I don’t think it’s a big deal. We’ll see how he is this week.”

And so it remains to be seen how long exactly the defender will be out for, but it sounds as though the injury isn’t too bad.

Still, after this “subpar” display, perhaps Man United won’t actually be that desperate to get him right back out on the pitch again – although perhaps that knock explains why he was so poor against Wolves.

كشفت تقارير صحفية، أن فلورنتينو بيريز، رئيس نادي ريال مدريد الإسباني، سيجتمع مع الثنائي لوكا مودريتش وتوني كروس لمعرفة امكانية البقاء في النادي الملكي أم لا.

ريال مدريد مدد عقدي مودريتش وكروس في الصيف الماضي لمدة موسم، وسينتهي في يونيو المقبل، وهو ما يجعل الأمور غير واضحة حتى الآن.

فابريزيو رومانو الصحفي الإيطالي، والموثوق بسوق الانتقالات، أكد عبر حسابه على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “تويتر”، أنه في الأيام القليلة المقبلة، سيكون هناك اجتماع هام بين فلورنتينو بيريز وتوني كروس ومودريتش، لتحديد مستقبلهما.

طالع أيضًا | جولر: تأقلمت 100% مع ريال مدريد.. ورفضنا الاحتفال احترامًا لـ غرناطة

لوكا مودريتش الذي انضم في 2012 قادمًا من توتنهام، أصبح من قادة الفريق، ولم يكن يشارك هذا الموسم بصفة مستمرة وأساسيًا، لكنه كان بديلًا بارزًا في قائمة المدرب كارلو أنشيلوتي.

بينما توني كروس، الذي عاد من الاعتزال الدولي، وسيشارك مع ألمانيا في يورو 2024، يشارك أساسيًا على حساب مودريتش، منذ بداية الموسم.

قد يتخلى ريال مدريد عن واحد من مودريتش وكروس، مع تقدم كل منهما في العمر، خاصة وأن طريقة اللعب الموسم المقبل غالبًا تستلزم ثلاثي وسط ملعب فقط وليس 4 لاعبين مثل هذا الموسم، في ظل قدوم كيليان مبابي.

Manchester United could revive their interest in Leeds United defensive midfielder Tyler Adams this summer due to the fact he has a relegation release clause in his current deal at Elland Road, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Which clubs are keen on Tyler Adams this summer?

According to The Daily Mail, Aston Villa are willing to activate Adams' £25 million release clause and Chelsea have also expressed interest in taking the USA international to Stamford Bridge.

Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United are three other sides keen on the injured midfielder, who has been sidelined since March with a hamstring issue.

Last campaign, Adams was a rare positive in a dismal Leeds United side, making 26 appearances in all competitions for the Whites, as per Transfermarkt.

Earlier this year, it was reported by Football Insider that Manchester United had looked at Adams as a potential recruit for the summer and were been impressed by his 'dynamism and energy' in the engine room at Elland Road.

The Mirror claim that Fiorentina defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is now in the Red Devils' sights as Erik Ten Hag aims to protect his back four and the Morocco international is believed to be desperate to move to the North West, despite additional admiration from West Ham and Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones believes that Leeds United midfielder Adams may come under consideration at Old Trafford once again if Manchester United fail in their pursuit of Amrabat.

Jones stated: "It’s not that common you see Man United and Leeds looking to benefit from each other in terms of transfers and the hostility between the two clubs will always exist, but in this moment when they are in very different situations in different leagues it’s intriguing to think about how they could deal with each other.

"One big worry around Adams will be his recent injury, I know a couple of clubs have been slightly deterred by that, but it would still be a surprise if he was at Leeds by the end of the window."

What next for Manchester United?

Manchester United will hope to continue recruiting wisely this summer as Ten Hag eyes building a side capable of challenging for the Premier League title.

Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans, who signed a short-term deal with Manchester United to participate in pre-season, is reportedly close to signing a one-year contract at Old Trafford after impressing in his short stint at the club, as per Belfast Telegraph.

The Red Devils could also try to trump Liverpool to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia; however, Chelsea and Arsenal have also looked at the Belgian international, as per The Independent.

Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund will be announced as a Manchester United player imminently after both parties agreed a fee of £72 million for the Denmark international, who has undergone a medical at his prospective new employers, as per Sky Sports.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria, as Unai Emery looks to add reinforcements this summer.

The transfer window has got off to a strong start for Emery and Monchi, securing the talents of Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby already.

The Villans could land another coup by securing Zakaria, who has experience in England under his belt.

How much does Denis Zakaria cost?

As reported by Italian outlet La Gazetta dello Sport, Villa are one of the clubs interested in the former Chelsea loanee.

The report lists the Midlands side along with West Ham as the Premier League representatives circling the Swiss talent.

It’s claimed that Juventus would like a fee in the region of €18m (£15m) for the 26-year-old, who has struggled to make an impact in Turin.

How good is Denis Zakaria?

Since departing Borussia Monchengladbach, the Switzerland international has failed to grasp consistent game time, making just 26 appearances over the past two seasons.

The objective behind a loan move is to gain experience and strength with guaranteed time to explore strengths before returning to one's parent club, however, the midfielder was denied of this luxury at Chelsea.

Making just seven appearances in the Premier League in west London, the 26-year-old was handed to the Blues at an unfortunate time, in a year that saw three managers take charge to little success at Stamford Bridge.

By signing Zakaria, Emery could hand the talent a shot at redemption in England, with a player that has showcased just how much of a difference maker he can be if kept fit and in the picture.

Lauded as a “talent” by The Times’ Tess Derry, the midfielder could be the perfect addition to the depth shown in Villa’s side, as they prepare for a European adventure next term.

With Douglas Luiz as the favoured enforcer in the middle of the park, the Brazilian has been linked with a move to north London this summer, with Tottenham and Arsenal reported to have interest.

While there’s been little speculation to suggest that the 25-year-old would depart, Emery has sufficient back-ups to Luiz, who was Villa’s best performer last term.

Signed from Marseille last summer, Boubacar Kamara has impressed during his first stint in the Premier League, despite missing a number of games to injury.

In signing Zakaria, Emery could hand the Frenchman the perfect partner, with his numbers suggesting he could complement the strengths of the 23-year-old.

A strong defender in the engine room, Kamara averaged an impressive 2.94 tackles per 90 in the Premier League, compared to Zakaria’s 1.48 per 90 in the 2021/22 Bundesliga season, where he last played consistently, via FBref.

A balance in the pivot could be found between the former Marseille gem’s defensive attributes, and the passing expertise of the Swiss, who averaged an impressive 5.68 progressive passes per 90 to the Villa man’s 4.25.

The former Borussia talent maintained an assured pass completion rate of 89.4% in the 2021/22 Bundesliga, making 4.58 final third passes per 90 to showcase his strengths in progressive play.

In distinguishing a balance between the duo’s playing styles, Emery and Monchi could unearth a strong pivot to add to the depth at Villa Park, with two competent defensive midfielders.

Leeds United target Lewis Pirie is set to travel to Yorkshire for a medical imminently, as reports in Scotland reveal further details on the 16 year-old's agreement with the Whites.

Who are Leeds signing in 2023?

Daniel Farke looks set for an extremely busy summer once the takeover is officially signed and sealed, with the new boss sure to want to overhaul the squad and reshape it in his image.

The Elland Road outfit have brought in Nick Hammond as interim football advisor to dictate transfer activity this summer, and a number of outgoings are expected in Yorkshire to start with, as centre-back Robin Koch has already secured a move away after joining Eintracht Frankfurt, while Brenden Aaronson and Marc Roca are not thought to be too far behind.

In terms of potential signings, Phil Hay reports that a new goalkeeper, left-back, centre-back, midfielder and forward could all arrive, and the reliable reporter revealed that Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow is a possible target between the sticks.

Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips seems to be the main target to reinforce the centre of defence, and Coventry City’s Gustavo Hamer has long been linked as a possible midfield addition, as per Hay.

Up front, Aberdeen starlet Pirie is clearly first up on the agenda, with reports of a move emerging during the week before Fabrizio Romano revealed a breakthrough in talks on Friday morning, sharing that a deal had been agreed at around £200,000.

Now, in an update from sources north of the border (The Daily Record print edition, July 8, page 50) and thus likely more in the know, it seems Leeds fans have plenty of reason to be excited about this deal.

That is because not only is the fee cheaper than first reported, with the initial cost just £150,000, but Pirie has actually rejected an offer of fresh terms with current club Aberdeen, so it seems the striker is really dead set on becoming a star at Leeds – the sort of thing all fans want to hear about their new arrivals.

Pirie is now booked in for an imminent medical, and is thought to be travelling down to Yorkshire as we speak, with the signing likely to be officially announced next week.

How good is Lewis Pirie?

Pirie’s record at youth level makes for some reading – he scored 51 goals for club and country last season, as per Romano – so this looks like an incredibly exciting capture for Leeds. You’d expect that the teenager will initially slot into the youth sides at Thorp Arch, perhaps with a view to getting some minutes in the cups this season or even embarking on a loan spell to a lower division.

Leeds have proven to be one of the best in the land for offering chances to youngsters though, becoming the first team in Premier League history to hand eight teenagers their debuts in one season back when Marcelo Bielsa was at the helm, so don't be surprised to see Pirie in the first-team on a regular basis before too long, such is his prolific form at academy level.

The likes of Joe Gelhardt and Crysencio Summerville have thrived since making that step up from academy level to senior football in Yorkshire, and hopefully Pirie can follow in their footsteps or be even better.

There has been an update regarding Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Wolfsburg defender, Micky van de Ven…

What's the latest on Van de Ven to Tottenham?

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Lilywhites are said to have lodged a "verbal" offer to sign the 22-year-old, with Ange Postecoglou and co pressing on in their bid to land the 6 foot 4 ace.

Writing on Twitter regarding that developing story, the respected insider revealed: "Understand Tottenham have submitted verbal opening proposal for Micky van de Ven. Negotiations ongoing now with Wolfsburg — not done deal yet.

"No issues on personal terms, parties are close on contract details — up to Spurs and Wolfsburg."

This follows a report from football.london's Alasdair Gold which suggested that the north Londoners are set to decide whether to sign the promising Dutchman – who is valued at around £30m – or fellow centre-back, Edmond Tapsoba, as Postecoglou seeks to freshen up his backline ahead of the start of next season.

Who is Micky van de Ven similar to?

As a towering, left-footed central defender who comes from the Netherlands, there is an easy comparison to be made between Van de Ven and his compatriot, Sven Botman, with the latter man – who also stands at 6 foot 4 – having enjoyed a stellar debut season at Newcastle United last time out.

After making the move to St James' Park on a £35m deal from Lille last summer, the 23-year-old quickly made a "huge difference" to Eddie Howe's side, according to journalist Josh Bunting, having helped to stabilise a previously leaky defence that had shipped 62 top flight goals the year prior.

As it proved, the one-time Ajax youth star went on to form part of the joint-best defence in the league – alongside champions, Manchester City – as the Tynesiders conceded just 33 goals in 38 league games, with that solidity seemingly proving vital in the club securing a remarkable top four finish.

Such has been Botman's impact in English football so far, the one-time Heerenveen loanee has been tipped to go on to become the Premier League's best-ever centre-back, according to Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Redknapp, with that a marker of his undoubted talent.

For Tottenham to then find their own version of the £90k-per-week sensation could prove to be a real shrewd piece of business for Postecoglou, with Van de Ven – who has been described as a "jewel" by talent scout Jacek Kulig – having the credentials to be able to follow in his fellow Dutchman's footsteps.

Much like Botman – who is "very good technically but also has that physical presence that you need as a centre-half", according to pundit Danny Murphy – the Wolfsburg monster is also able to combine his defensive prowess with real composure in possession.

As Kulig noted, the emerging ace is a "complete & dominant" asset defensively, although is also "confident & comfortable on the ball", thus showcasing his likeness to the Newcastle man.

Those shared traits can also be shown by last season's statistical record, with Van de Ven keeping 11 clean sheets, averaging 1.4 tackles and enjoying an 88% pass accuracy rate from his 33 Bundesliga outings, while Botman also kept 11 clean sheets, averaged 1.1 tackles and had a pass accuracy rate of 87% from his 36 Premier League appearances.

Such a likeness would appear to suggest that if Spurs are able to get a deal over the line, then the Netherlands U21 international could also potentially make a 'huge difference' to the backline – as Botman has done in the northeast…

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsUpul Tharanga and Kusal Perera struck a 65-run opening stand•Associated Press

Kusal Perera made a roaring return to Sri Lankan colours, cracking 77 off 53 balls to lead the hosts on a successful hunt of Bangladesh’s 155 for 6. That Sri Lanka had so few to chase was partly the work of Sri Lanka’s bowlers, who made breakthroughs whenever a partnership threatened, though they were helped to that end by off-colour Bangladesh batting.Mashrafe Mortaza, who as it turned out, was playing his penultimate game in the format, was by a distance the visitors’ best bowler. He claimed 2 for 32 from his four overs, and only one other bowler – Taskin Ahmed – mustered a breakthrough. Sri Lanka sauntered to the target with seven balls and six wickets to spare.This match was Kusal’s first international since his unseemly Test outing in Port Elizabeth, for which he was dropped from the Test XI, then subsequently axed from the limited-overs squads altogether. Having returned to national reckoning via good innings for Sri Lanka A, Kusal outlined his value to Sri Lanka in an innings that showcased a little batting nous as well as characteristic brutality. The bludgeoned drives and whipped pick-up shots over midwicket did eventually come, but not before he had laid low for the first four overs; and the big shots were, in any case, well devised as well as nicely executed. Instead of trying to clear fielders as Kusal often does, he strove to hit even his most ambitious shots into gaps.

Over-rate fine for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka were found to be one over short of their target in the first T20I, and have been fined by the ICC. While captain Upul Tharanga was fined 20% of his match fee, the rest of the team were fined 10%.

Having made only 5 off his first eight balls, Kusal smoked four fours and a six off his next seven, to help move Sri Lanka to 57 for none at the end of the Powerplay. Upul Tharanga, who had given the innings its initial impetus, departed in the seventh over, but Kusal stayed long enough to almost see the chase through. He reached his fifty off 31 balls, and when he fell in the penultimate over, Sri Lanka needed only nine runs, which they would proceed to gather over the next four balls. Seekkuge Prasanna was not out with 22 off 12 at the close.Though their bowlers responded poorly to Kusal’s shellacking, Bangladesh may reflect that it was with the bat that they made the more substantial mistakes. They had flown to 57 for 1 after five overs, for example, but then Sabbir Rahman ran a poor line to get himself run out, and Soumya Sarkar holed out in the same Vikum Sanjaya over. Suddenly, at 57 for 3, all that momentum they had developed was surrendered.Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan fell playing expansive shots to slow bowlers, who should, in fact, have been less effective on this track, which retained a little grass and had been rolled until hard. Mosaddek Hossain and Mahmudullah put on 57 off 42 together to lift their side from 82 for 5, but could not quite crack enough runs through the back-end of the innings to lift Bangladesh to a winning score.Lasith Malinga was especially good through this period, giving away seven and eight in his last two overs, in which he took the wicket of Mahmudullah with a searing yorker, having also done the same to Tamim Iqbal with the second ball of the match.Rain before play had delayed the start by 45 minutes, but no overs were lost.

Chelsea’s frontline could take a completely new shape next season.

Joao Felix, Kai Havertz, and Mason Mount are all unlikely to play at Stamford Bridge come August.

Meanwhile, the club has already completed the transfer of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, whilst edging closer to the signing of Nicolas Jackson.

Another reinforcement linked to the west London outfit is Lautaro Martinez.

What’s the latest on Lautaro Martinez to Chelsea?

According to The Express (via The Chelsea Chronicle), the Inter man wants to sign for the Blues and work under Mauricio Pochettino.

This outlet also revealed Martinez is one of the west Londoners' prime candidates to replenish its attack and that he could cost up to £60m.

Reputable journalist Dean Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT that the hierarchy is a big fan of the Argentinian and said: "So with Lautaro, there are people within the club that really like him and have done for quite some time. As of last week, there hadn't been any actual contact for Lautaro, but obviously, that can now change now that the season's done for him."

How can Chelsea line up next season?

The 48-cap international has been in unstoppable form for the Nerazzurri this year, having registered 39 goal involvements in 57 appearances.

He played a starring role in the side that came third in Serie A, made it to the Champions League final and won the Coppa Italia.

The World Cup winner has forged an impressive goalscoring record but is also an indispensable cog in offensive sequences. He ranks within the best 15% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes, shot-creating actions, assists and total shots per 90.

But he also meaningfully contributes to the defensive effort, residing in the highest 6% for blocks and interceptions per 90.

Lionel Messi has applauded his compatriot's quality and said: "He's spectacular. He has impressive qualities. You could tell he was going to be a great player and he is showing that.

"He's very strong, really good one on one, scores a lot of goals and in the area he fights with anyone, holds it up, he can turn, scrap to win it all on his own. He's very complete."

Martinez could link up with Nicolas Jackson next term, whose move to Chelsea is on the verge of completion.

The forward was Villareal’s top scorer in La Liga last season with 12 goals and sits within the top 19% for successful take-ons and non-penalty goals per 90.

Throughout his time in Italy, Martinez has become accustomed to playing with a second striker, predominantly with Romelu Lukaku, and he could develop a similar relationship with Jackson.

Manchester United enjoyed a steady debut season under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag, winning the League Cup and qualifying for the Champions League, yet it may arguably be the rejuvenation of Marcus Rashford which is perhaps the best thing to come from 2022/2023.

By the end of the 2021/2022 campaign, Rashford had scored a paltry five goals and grabbed just two assists in what was a season of uncertainty and a clear lack of any ruthlessness in front of goal.

Fast forward a year later and the 25-year-old had upped these numbers to 30 goals and 13 assists, a remarkable turnaround and it was clearly the Ten Hag effect which allowed Rashford to flourish yet again, having been the golden boy of English football for so long.

With the Dutchman on the lookout for new talent that could make an impression in the United first team over the next few years, could he sign United’s next Rashford with a move for Arsenal teen starlet Ethan Nwaneri this summer?

Could Manchester United sign Ethan Nwaneri?

According to The Athletic, Man United are in the hunt for Nwaneri as they look to bring him to Old Trafford this summer.

He made headlines back in September for becoming the Premier League’s youngest-ever player after appearing against Brentford, albeit only gaining a minute of action, however his undoubted talent could see him emerge properly over the coming years.

Rashford broke into the United first team aged just 18 during a Europa League clash against FC Midtjylland, scoring a double and although Nwaneri is still a couple of years younger, he has impressed in Arsenal’s Hale End academy.

The 16-year-old scored nine goals and registered five assists for the U18 side, while the 5 foot 10 ace has even made appearances for the U21 team, playing nine games in the Premier League 2, clearly showing how highly rated he is at the Gunners.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him as a “wonderkid” while fellow Arsenal teammate Granit Xhaka has lauded the teen starlet as “special” although also declaring that the club must “protect” the player not long after he made his first team debut.

It may be a few years until he makes a Rashford-like impact on the first team should he actually make the move to United, however, the boy is talented, absolutely no doubt about it and Ten Hag should be doing all he can to lure him to Manchester.

A round-up of the second round of matches from the Plunket Shield 2016-17

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Nov-2016Defending 157, Canterbury bowled Central Districts out for 86 on the back of legspinner Todd Astle’s 5 for 36 to register a 71-run win. At one point, Astle and offspinner Tim Johnston were both on a hat-trick in consecutive overs as Central Districts stumbled from 41 for 2 to 42 for 6. Johnston returned figures of 3 for 33 as Central Districts were skittled for their lowest score against Canterbury.Canterbury’s stunning comeback began with a 71-run opening stand between Peter Fulton (40) and Michael Davison in the second innings after the side had surrendered a 197-run first-innings lead. Henry Nicholls struck a 205-ball 98 and surpassed 2000 first-class runs for Canterbury, while wicketkeeper Cam Fletcher chipped in with a patient 58. Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel finished with 5 for 118 to finish with match figures of 10 for 159.Canterbury were bowled out for 202 in the first innings, with Astle the top-scorer with 53. Central Districts responded strongly and posted 399 after wicketkeeper Dane Cleaver’s second first-class century, a 180-ball 104 that included 11 fours and three sixes. Greg Hay (89), Will Young (52) and Ben Wheeler (58) contributed with half-centuries.File photo – Neil Broom’s 161 was in vain•Getty ImagesDefending champions Auckland chased down 373 for a tense two-wicket win over Otago, set up by Colin de Grandhomme’s unbeaten 144 off 147 deliveries.Auckland began the fourth day at 101 for 2 and lost opener Michael Guptill-Bunce for 70 early on. That brought de Grandhomme to the crease and he went on to add 143 for the fourth wicket with captain Rob Nicol, who was on 7 overnight. Nicol was dismissed for 65 by Christi Viljoen and the Otago seamer paired with Neil Wagner to open up Auckland’s lower order. De Grandhomme, however, thwarted their efforts by hitting 18 fours and five sixes in his innings. Viljoen finished with 5 for 101 while Wagner took three wickets on the final day to take his match tally to 8 for 113, having taken a five-for to demolish Auckland for 145 in their first innings.Apart from de Grandhomme’s century, another important performance for Auckland was Tarun Nethula’s 10 for 124, his second ten-wicket haul in first-class cricket. Nethula’s 6 for 36 bowled Otago out for 164 after they were put in to bat, with the only significant contribution coming from Brad Wilson, who scored 56.Nethula then took 4 for 88 in the second innings as Otago stretched their 19-run first-innings lead to 372, riding on Neil Broom’s 161. Broom was well-supported by Josh Finnie (60) who was part of a 112-run stand for the third wicket. Batting at no. 3, Broom ensured Otago’s lead climbed past 300 before falling to Dane Hutchinson. Broom’s 18th first-class century came off 226 balls and included 20 fours and three sixes.Rain scuppered the first day and part of the second to ensure Wellington didn’t have enough time to push for an outright win against Northern Districts at the Basin Reserve. After just 6.1 overs on the first day, Wellington’s seamers exploited useful conditions to reduce Northern Districts to 125 for 6 a little after tea on the second day. Allrounder Scott Kuggeleijn then smashed his third first-class century, a 130-ball 112, to lift Northern Districts to 285. Fast bowler Hamish Bennett returned 4 for 54.Luke Woodcock continued his fine form by striking a patient 120, his eighth first-class ton. Wellington declared their innings at 376 for 8 on the final day, after fifties from Michael Pollard and Tom Blundell. Kuggeleijn picked up his 150th first-class wicket during his 3 for 99. Northern Districts crawled to 156 for 6 in 78 overs before the match was drawn.