MiD DAY catches up with controversial former England left-arm spinner Phil Tufnell at Lord's

Phil Tufnell was too hot to handle in his 11-year international career with England which started during the 1990-91 Ashes series and ended in the 2001 contest against Australia. Off the field more than on it.

Often, he was seen enjoying his cigarette and beer and yes, he kept the tabloid journalists busy especially when England were touring. That apart, he was his country's most successful spin bowler in the 1990s ufffd 121 wickets in 42 Tests.


Former England cricketer Phil Tufnell unveils a new and extreme hair style.
Pic/Getty Images

He now is seen at the Test Match Special commentary box and the popular Question of Sport show on television. According to Cricinfo, "In April 2003, he abruptly retired from first-class cricket to become the unlikely star of a reality TV show."

Philip Clive Roderick Tufnell was a character!
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The 45-year-old former England and Middlesex star spoke to MiD DAY as rain ruined the first day's play of the Lord's Test between India and England yesterday.

Excerpts from a chat: