Friday 3 October 2014 13:23, UK
Middlesex have cancelled the final year of all-rounder Gareth Berg's contract.
This year the 33-year-old has been fit to play in just one first-team match, an LV=CC game against Nottinghamshire in April.
During that match he injured his right shoulder which subsequently became infected. The condition prevented Berg from regaining match fitness during the 2014 season.
I walked through the Long Room every morning of every day's play just to soak in all this wonderful ground's history and to keep me humble and honoured. It's sad that I won't be doing this any longer.
South Africa-born Berg, who joined Middlesex from Northamptonshire in 2007, played in 170 matches for the county during which he scored almost 4,500 runs while taking 221 wickets. He has also made 15 t20 appearances for Italy.
Middlesex have given Berg the option of having the use of all their medical and support staff over the coming winter in a bid to help him make a full recovery from his injury and should he reach a level of fitness allowing him to play first XI cricket, the club are prepared to discuss a potential way forward.
In a statement on their website, Middlesex CCCC manager director of cricket Angus Fraser said: "This is a very sad situation for Gareth, myself and the club. During the past seven seasons I have really enjoyed working with Gareth and watching him play cricket.
"As well as being an extremely talented cricketer and athlete, he is a lovely man. On the field he has been a very important member of our side and I do not think it’s is a coincidence that Gareth's absence has come during a period when we have struggled to win games.
"I really hope that Gareth is able to make a full recovery from this injury and that we may once again see him playing at Lord's."
Berg, who began his career with Western Province in his homeland in 2002, is hopeful of regaining full fitness and is refusing to rule out a return to St John's Wood.
"I walked through the Long Room every morning of every day's play just to soak in all this wonderful ground's history and to keep me humble and honoured. It's sad that I won't be doing this any longer," he said.
"Middlesex gave me an opportunity to showcase my talent at the home of cricket for seven seasons, building friendships with all the coaches and backroom staff along the way.
"I know that this is not the end of my career, just another hurdle I need to overcome. My goal over the winter is to get fit and ready for another season.
"I would like to thank Middlesex and all the fantastic supporters for their support over my time at the club and hopefully I will be walking through the Long Room once again."
