Berg helps Middlesex to victory

LV County Championship Division Two Lord s Essex first innings 161 all out Middlesex first innings 583 all out Essex second innings 384 all out RADLETT all rounder Gareth Berg helped inspire Middlesex to victory against Essex

LV County Championship Division Two

Lord's

Essex first innings 161 all out Middlesex first innings 583 all out

Essex second innings 384 all out

RADLETT all rounder Gareth Berg helped inspire Middlesex to victory against Essex in the LV County Championship Division Two.

Berg replaced Vernon Philander who has returned to South Africa and picked up a fine catch at mid wicket to oust Ryan ten Doeschate before his pivotal bowling performance. The Radlett star found an edge to dismiss dangerman Ravi Bopara (43) thanks to a catch from wicket keeper Ben Scott. Five runs later Berg struck again when he nipped out Jamie Foster who found the substitute fielder at cover point and Essex had collapsed from 131-3 to 136-7.

James Middlebrook and Alex Tudor added eleven runs for the eighth wicket before Berg took his third wicket in the space of 24 balls when Owais Shah held a fine slip catch to dismiss Middlebrook for nine. Berg finished with 3-38 from 14 overs as Essex were bowled out for just 161.

Middlesex dominated day two (Saturday) with the bat and on Sunday resumed their innings on 446-4. Berg hit 35 and Middlesex were eventually all out for 583.

Berg also made a key impact on the Essex second innings when he broke the opening stand of 35, finding the edge of Tom Westley's bat with only his fifth delivery.

On Day Four, Middlesex struck out the remaining Essex wickets to seal victory by an innings and 38 runs. Berg bowled 15 overs and picked up 1-50 with five maidens.