Long road back for Wagg as he starts drug ban

Nine months ago, Graham Wagg was the star performer when England's Academy hopefuls began their winter tour.

Today, with a new intake about to start serious work at Loughborough, the 21-year-old all-rounder is effectively an ex-professional cricketer after being banned for 15 months for using cocaine.

Wagg, who has represented England at Under-16 and Under-19 level, joined Rod Marsh's Academy last autumn and underlined his promise when the squad travelled to Malaysia in January. But if the class of 2004, which included Kevin Pietersen, Rikki Clarke and Owais Shah, need any reminding that even one slip can bring a mighty fall, then head coach Marsh and his staff can soon cite an example.

Wagg had a long way to go to reach the top after a persistent back injury contributed to his season-long absence from Warwickshire's championship-winning side this summer.

But now, after failing a drug test in September, the youngster faces a tougher journey. Wagg cannot play again until January 2006, and his ban would almost certainly have been longer had he not admitted the offence.

Warwickshire have vowed to provide "the best possible support" during his time out but they still plan to terminate his contract "as soon as is legally practicable."

Wagg is only the second player to be suspended by the ECB following a drug test. Ed Giddins was banned for 18 months after traces of cocaine were found in his sample.

Sussex sacked Giddins but the paceman fought back, joined Warwickshire and went on to play four Tests for England.