Lord's confirm positive drugs test by Sussex player

Lord's confirmed yesterday that a Sussex cricketer has tested positive in a random drugs test. The name of the player is being kept secret, mainly because the result of a second sample has yet to be gained.

Two urine samples are routinely taken at random testing in county cricket. The Test and County Cricket Board are waiting for the second result, and will set up a doping control panel to investigate the matter.

The player gave the samples during Sussex's Championship match against Kent at Tunbridge Wells in late May. Sussex's secretary, Nigel Bett, said: "I really cannot comment further. We have been notified about what has happened and obviously we want this to be dealt with as soon as possible.

"I hope the identity of the player can be kept from being made public because it would be unfair to name him at this stage."

Drugs have not been a problem in first-class cricket, and there is a possibility that the player concerned could have been taking a medicine or could have another innocent explanation. The Yorkshire slow left-arm spinner Richard Stemp, for instance, tested positive five years ago - but the authorities accepted his explanation that a drink had been spiked at a party.