Phil Tufnell was born at Hadley Wood, Hertfordshire in 1966 and attended schools in Highgate and Southgate before making his Middlesex debut in 1986 versus Lancashire at Old Trafford, Manchester. A slow left-arm spinner and right-handed tail end batsman, he soon established himself as an ideal replacement 'spin twin' for John Emburey after the retirement of Phil Edmonds in 1987. He has taken over 1000 first-class wickets, with a best return of 8 for 29 versus Glamorgan at Cardiff in 1993 and in Tests of 7 for 47 versus New Zealand at Christchurch in 1992/93. He has scored over 2000 runs with a top score of 67*versus Worcestershire in 1996. He was awarded his county cap in 1990 and to-date his best season came in 1991 when he took 88 wickets. He has represented England in 20 Tests since making his debut versus Australia at Brisbane in 1990/91 and he took 121 wickets. He celebrated his benefit season with the club in 1999 and although being called back for the odd Test by England managed to achieve his 1,000th wicket for Middlesex during the 2001 season. He retired from first class cricket in April 2003 and has gone on to a successful television career.
