‘SHOCKED’ EVANS AXED AFTER ANTI-DOPING TEST

SURREY batsman Laurie Evans has been axed from Australia’s Big Bash League after testing positive for a banned substance.

The T20 specialist (right), 35, had been due to play for the Perth Scorchers but was sacked following results of a positive test in August while playing for Manchester Originals in The Hundred. Evans’ statement via the Professional Cricketer’s Association read: “I was shocked to be told that an anti-doping sample I provided in August 2022 tested positive for trace amounts of a banned substance.

“I believe passionately in clean sport. I’ve never taken any banned substances and don’t know what caused the positive test. My team are investigating how this could have happened.”