My Sport: Phil Tufnell (Interview) (25 August 1997)

Monday 25 August 1997

My Sport: Phil Tufnell

Gareth A Davies

Phil Tufnell, the Middlesex spinner, was recalled by England for the sixth Test at the Oval where he took match-winning figures of 11 for 93

FIRST sporting memory: Getting the ball on the halfway line and trying to score all on my own, then going to watch Arsenal at Highbury in the 1973-74 season.

Sports played: Loads of football and cricket from a young age. I played for all the school first teams at Highgate at both sports, and football for my local club, Enfield Rangers. I ended up as a goalkeeper.

My old man said it was the worst move I made because I started off on the left wing, then left-half, left-back, then goalkeeper. It was obviously as I started smoking.

Des Walker was one my defenders. I used to throw it out to Dessie and he`d run the length of the pitch and score.

I also played Fives at Highgate, which I enjoyed, and I was in the first pair. At school, I used to roar down the hill and try and knock everyone`s head off, but then I switched to spin at the age of 13.

Nowadays, I play a bit of golf, especially when I`m on tour. I can give the ball a fair whack. I suppose I`d be off 20 or something like that. Few pars, the odd birdie, a few sevens and eights. Not quite Tiger Tufnell yet.

Sports watched: Everything on the telly. My wife doesn`t particularly enjoy being a sports widow, so we fight over the buttons a bit when Coronation Street`s on. Even if it`s tiddlywinks, I watch for an hour or two.

Sporting mentors: When I joined Middlesex as a raw youngster it was John Emburey, Don Bennett and Gatt. Three knowledgeable cricketers.

Most memorable sporting experiences: Viv Richards [at the Oval] and Martin Crowe [in Christchurch] both coming down the wicket and getting out. Viv nicked it, Martin chipped it.

But any time walking out for England is pretty memorable. For the county, it was the eight for 29 against Glamorgan that almost clinched the Championship.

Funniest cricket moment: Phil DeFreitas running up and stopping to throw up over the back of the umpire`s coat after a drinks break.

What question are you asked most often by the public? I`m frequently being asked: `Who`s the best batsman you`ve bowled to?` and: `Who is the quickest bowler to face?`

Biggest regret: Not scoring a first-class hundred - yet.

What do you least like about other people? Brown nosers.

Favourite sporting location: Lord`s. Lovely place to turn up for work on a Monday morning. Abroad, Sydney and Melbourne for atmosphere.

Sporting event you would pay the most to watch: The Monaco Grand Prix, sitting on a huge yacht in the harbour; Arsenal winning the Champions` League; or I wouldn`t mind watching a replay of myself taking the wicket to win the Ashes.

How well is cricket covered by the media? Sometimes people don`t get a fair crack of the whip but overall it is covered pretty well. Some of the new camera tricks, like showing a spinning ball, are great. Anything which makes the game more upbeat is good as far as I`m concerned.

Are you happy with your treatment in the media? I don`t have any gripes. I think I was a bit of an easy target when I was younger, but there are no real complaints.

Who do you least like facing and bowling at? Anyone who`s going to knock my head off at 100 mph. As for batsmen, most people with a bat in their hand at international level don`t throw it away.

Whose talent do you most admire? Someone who is willing to put their body on the line and has a strong will. So, it`s Evander Holyfield, a Christian who thumps the hell out of people.

Who would you least like to room with on tour: Most people normally don`t want to room with me.

Interview: Gareth A Davies

Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/)