Veteran allrounder Gareth Berg retires from professional cricket

Berg, who doubles up as Italy's head coach, was a latecomer to first-class cricket, making his debut for Middlesex in 2008 and going on to take 321 wickets and score 5,565 runs in the longest format

Gareth Berg has retired from professional cricket, ending a career that has spanned 16 years.

Berg, who doubles up as Italy's head coach, was a latecomer to first-class cricket, making his debut for Middlesex in 2008 and going on to take 321 wickets and score 5,565 runs in the longest format.

He ends his career, aged 42, played 374 matches across formats.

"Started hitting sixes over the neighbour's fence aged three, scored my first hundred at the age of nine, maiden first-class century and five-wicket haul on the hallowed turf at Lord's. At age 42, my county cricket playing days are done," he summarised.

Berg spent the final four years of his career at Northamptonshire, with a successful spell at Hampshire in between.

^{Berg began his professional career with Middlesex (Hamish Blair/Getty Images)}

"I played some of my best cricket for Northamptonshire and I want to thank the support staff and coaches for their help over the past four years," he added.

"To the players, I will miss you! I hope they can achieve good things over the coming years, and I have some fond memories of playing alongside the guys."

Northamptonshire head coach John Sadler added: "Bergy has been an excellent cricketer and top pro for a long time. You always know what you get from Bergy, 100 per cent effort and contributions in every discipline. He's had a fantastic playing career and I have no doubt he will go on to have a successful coaching career."

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