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Tufnell 'forgot'

By Richard Bright

Monday 29 September 1997

PHIL TUFNELL will cite forgetfulness as a defence for his failure to take a drugs test when he attempts to save his England career on his return from holiday.

Middlesex claim the spinner ``simply forgot'' to give a sample during the championship match with Essex at Chelmsford.

Team-mate Paul Weekes gave his at lunchtime but Tufnell left the ground without reporting to the testers.

``Phil simply forgot to take the test and drove off from the ground,'' Middlesex secretary Joe Hardstaff has been reported as saying.

``Middlesex consider this an extremely serious business. I don't know all the facts because Phil is away but I understand he has a perfectly logical ex planation.''

Tufnell, chosen for England's tour to the Caribbean this winter, could face a disciplinary panel if his explanation to the England Cricket Board officials is viewed as unsatisfactory.

Source: The Electronic Telegraph
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Date-stamped : 25 Feb1998 - 18:34