Middlesex rocked by Berg injury KO

Aug 20 2010 By Jon Batham

Gareth Berg

GARETH Berg will not bowl again for Middlesex this season.

The all-rounder has been struggling with a back problem since the day he received his county cap against Northants at Lord’s in June, and extensive tests have now revealed a stress fracture.

The news came in an exclusive interview with Director of Cricket Angus Fraser, who while disappointed at the turn of events was relieved to have finally got to the bottom of what’s been troubling the 29-year-old South African.

He said: "It’s a shame for Gareth who had been bowling really well, but the main problem has been getting a full diagnosis as originally nothing showed up.

"The main thing is we’ve found out what the problem is and we can move forward.

"He won’t bowl again this season, but all the indications are he’ll be fine for the start of next year."

Berg had taken 24 County Championship wickets prior to the injury provided staunch support as a fourth seamer in the Middlesex attack.

However, such has been his impact with the bat as well, he will continue to hold down a place in the side purely as a batsman.

"I don’t think the injury has any effect on his batting and he has been averaging 45," added Fraser.

"He’s still keen to play purely as a batsman and he knows he’ll have ample opportunity to rest the injury in about a month’s time at the end of the season."

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