Derbyshire offer Wagg second chance

Graham Wagg, the former Warwickshire and England A allrounder, who was banned for admitting cocaine use in 2004 could be given a career lifeline by Derbyshire. Wagg's 14-month ban ends on January 1 and Derbyshire have held early talks and say a contract may be sorted by the end of the week.

Tom Sears, the Derbyshire chief executive, told BBC Sport: "Graham admits he made a stupid mistake and we would like to give him a second chance. He has been voluntarily drug tested six times in the last year and is eager to come back. We believe we can offer him a bright future at Derbyshire."

Wagg has been involved in coaching in South Africa and Holland during his ban, which came after he tested positive after the last National League match in 2004 against Gloucestershire. He had been earmarked as a potential England allrounder, especially for one-day cricket, with his powerful batting catching the eye on a number of occasions.

He was selected for the ECB Academy during the 2003-04 winter and toured Malaysia and India with England A. Derbyshire are not the only county showing an interest in Wagg with Warwickshire also believed to be keen in re-signing him.