Cricket: Tufnell calls it quits

Phil Tufnell, the England spinner famed for his laidback style and inept fielding, yesterday called an end to his colourful 18-year cricket career.

The 36-year-old Middlesex left-arm spin bowler, who took more 1000 first-class wickets, including 121 in tests, made the decision after continuing uncertainty about his contract with the county side.

Tufnell was a confessed rebel during his career, often critical of the sport's officials