GARETH Berg is today back at the club that gave him his big break in English cricket.

The Hampshire all-rounder is playing against his former Middlesex teammates at Radlett CC, who he joined in 2007, in the 50-over Royal London One-Day Cup.

Berg, who was born in South Africa, was given his first-class debut by Middlesex, aged 27, after impressing during his first season at Radlett.

Now he is preparing for his fourth game of the season for Hampshire, after recovering from the knee injury that sidelined him for two months.

Berg said: “There was always the worry that something might not go to plan with the knee, but since coming back it’s the last thing that’s been sore.

“That’s often the way when you’re getting back to match fitness, I’m waking up stiff every day at the moment!”

Berg conceded 15 off the penultimate over as Hampshire failed to defend 310-4 in their opening RLODC match against Essex on Sunday.

But he finished with 2-58 from his ten overs and clinched victory in the final over of last Thursday’s T20 opener against Kent at The Ageas Bowl.

“I’ve bowled 17 overs competitively since I’ve been back and have been pretty happy with my role and what I’ve done so far,” continued the 35 year-old, who had surgery on the knee he twisted while fielding in Barbados in March.

“There have been quite a few injuries [to Hampshire players] since mine so I’m very thankful I’m now fit,” he added.

Berg was spotted by Middlesex while playing for Radlett, for whom he took 55 wickets at 14.65 and scored 1,141 runs at 47.54 in the Home Counties Premier League.

He made his first-class debut in 2008, after taking five wickets against England U19s at Radlett’s Cobden Hill home in pre-season.

Tomorrow’s visit will be only his second game against county opposition at the Hertfordshire club that boasts England’s Bodyline captain Douglas Jardine amongst its former players.

“I’ve had a lot of messages in the last few days, it’s nice to know I’m fondly remembered there,” he continued. “I have good memories of playing there with a great bunch of lads. The club really looked after me and was run like a professional county.

“They’ve always had a very good wicket and the facilities are excellent. Middlesex have put a lot of money into the club, it’s a great standard for an outground and a beautiful spot to play and watch cricket.

“It feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere, so I expect there’ll be a big crowd there - especially with Brendon McCullum playing.”

Berg, Hampshire’s player of the year after his stunning debut season, still feels he has a point to prove to Middlesex, who cancelled the last year of his contract after he contracted a shoulder infection.

“On the pitch it will be a fight, as always, but I’m looking forward to a beer afterwards,” he said.

“We’ve struggled a bit so it’s all about rediscovering some momentum.”

Hampshire (from): Adams, Carberry, Weatherley, Wheater, Ervine, Dawson, McManus, Smith, Berg, Andrew, Stevenson, Crane, Wheal.