HAMPSHIRE’s Gareth Berg admits Sean Ervine will be hard to replace ahead of tonight’s T20 Blast clash against Essex at Chelmsford.

Berg was Hampshire’s most effective bowler on his T20 debut for the county in the defeat against Sussex last week.

Sussex's win, despite Berg’s 1-24, means Hampshire require a win at third-placed Essex to be sure of staying in the South Group’s top four going into the last five games.

They will have to do so without Ervine, their most destructive batsman, following the finger fracture he suffered in the LV County Championship defeat against Somerset this week.

Berg is an option to fill the Ervine role tonight.

He said: “Slug’s [Ervine] been fantastic for us so hopefully we can fit someone in there and get a win.

Big boots to fill “It’ll be tough; if needed I’ll be happy to take that role but they’re big boots to fill – he’s a great T20 player.”

Berg has been in fine form with bat and ball in the LV County Championship. With 25 wickets at 26.6, he is Hampshire’s leading wicket-taker.

And only Michael Carberry and Will Smith have made more runs than his 396 runs at 36 – which include a 98-ball 99 in the win at Sussex a fortnight ago.

Now Berg, who played 40 T20 matches for Middlesex (459 runs and 27 wickets), is looking forward to making an impact in the shortest format.

He said: “T20 has always been one of my favourites in terms of entertaining; it’s quite a good format for me.

“I like to contribute in all forms but wouldn’t say I was frustrated [not to play in the first seven games].

“In many ways it’s been nice to sit them out and let the body relax before the next Champo game.

"But I knew my time would come and I’m glad I did well in the first one I was involved with.”

Berg hit a match-winning 41, his highest T20 score, at Chelmsford five years ago.

“It’s a tough crowd over there!” he said.

“And with the short, straight boundaries it’s tough to bowl there.

“But I’ve always backed myself to be a good T20 player in terms of change-ups and death bowling and hitting at the end.”

Berg top scored in both innings against Somerset, after taking 4-67 – his best figures for four years.

“It’s nice that bat and ball are doing well at the same time for me,” he said. “Especially as it’s my first year.”

Berg is certainly in a good position to prove a point to Middlesex when he returns to Lord’s on Sunday, a year after they released him.