The big game in the County Championship this weekend is Berkshire v Middlesex at North Maidenhead.

With Berkshire in 5th place in Division 1, and Middlesex in 6th, just above the dreaded relegation zone, it is a match which both teams will be targeting as a “must win”, and both sides are boosted by the return of key players.

For Middlesex, opening batsman Fran Wilson is back. Having scored 88 for England Academy against Ireland “A” in a 50-over match at Loughborough this week, it looks like the good form with which she started the County Championship, prior to the freak injury which sidelined her for a month, is set to continue; and it will be a massive surprise if she isn’t now also named in the England squad for the Pakistan series later this month.

For Berkshire, fast bowler Daisy Gardner also looks set to get back into the action after injury derailed her season on the opening weekend, since which The Beavers have really missed her penetration with the ball. Seeing her open the bowling in tandem with Lauren “The Shard” Bell should be something of a treat… unless you are a Middlesex batsman!

As usual, it is an 11:00 start on Sunday at North Maids, with free entry for children, OAPS… and anyone in between! [Editor’s Note: He means everyone!]