Shaun Udal will return to his spiritual cricketing home for this Saturday's Twenty20 finals day a vindicated man.

The veteran spinner retired from first class cricket last September after 21 years of sterling service with Hampshire.

But following a huge twist of fate, he could taste glory again at the Rose Bowl with his adopted county. 'Shaggy' has produced match-winning efforts with both ball and bat for Middlesex in this year's Twenty20.

All this from a man who Hampshire boss Paul Terry had considered too old to even be in the Hawks' squad for last year's competition.

Suffice to say, the irony is not lost on the 39 year-old. "I don't feel I had anything to prove, but it's nice to have made my point anyway," said Udal.

"To be going back to Hampshire with one of the best bowling economy rates in the Twenty20 competition, and a batting average of nearly 50 is great

"I've always been a big believer it doesn't matter how old you are. If you can still play good cricket you should be picked in the side, and I've proved that this year."

With Hampshire having failed to qualify for finals day, Udal will be the only former Hawk on show.

And the off-spinner is hoping his local knowledge and some hometown support can help see Middlesex to victory.