Graham Wagg has failed in his bid to overturn a ban from playing cricket in Holland.
Wagg, who was suspended from all ECB-sanctioned cricket for 15 months after traces of cocaine were found during a routine drugs test, had hoped to play for Hague club HBS. However, the Dutch cricket authorities (KNCB) arbitrarily decided to support the ECB decision.
Rick Wilton, the HBS club spokesman, told The Post: "KNCB have been in touch with the ECB and the PCA ( Professional Cricketers' Association) and it has been decided that we just don't have the grounds to ask for any dispensation.
"We hope he will stay with us anyway. He has a job here delivering beverages in the morning, and in the afternoon he coaches at the club. He seems happy.
" We ' re more than impressed with him. He's made an excellent impression. He takes his coaching role very seriously and has built up an excellent relationship with all the players.
"In the one game he played he scored about 90 and I'd say he was the fastest bowler in Holland.
"He's a very nice young man and I think this whole episode will be the making of him. He realises that he was silly and we are helping him keep fit so that when he does return to England he'll be ready for first-class cricket."
Wagg said: "It's massively frustrating that I can't play but I am enjoying life. I'm still hoping there may be some way we can convince KNCB that I can play.
"I was working while Warwickshire were in Rotterdam so I couldn't get to see them but I do keep in touch with a few of the guys and I'll always support the team. I was shocked to hear about Keith Piper and wish him all the best."
One area of concern remains, however. Wagg was recovering from a stress fracture of his back this time last year and there must be a fear that his long-term welfare will be compromised by training with the help of specialist bowling coaches.
He said: "I'm building up my bowling cautiously and my fitness is good. I think my back is OK.
"It was a bit sore when I was in South Africa, so I guess it's not 100 per cent recovered, but I'm up to six overs at a time now and I think it's going OK."
