Pants down player makes Hants frown

Hampshire are investigating after a member of their second XI was allegedly caught out attempting to buy alcohol from a shop whilst naked. The supermarket streak, which took place in the early hours of the morning, is thought to have been as a result of a dare between team-mates.

The unnamed player was refused service at a Sainsbury's in Ashford, Kent, where Hampshire's second XI were staying before a T20 fixture the following day. The Kent Messenger reported that a man aged between 20 and 25 was refused service and although police were called to the store at 4.20am, no offence was recorded.

"We realise this was meant to be a bit of fun, but to avoid any embarrassment we asked the young man to leave the store straight away," deputy manager Jamie Curtis said. "We look forward to seeing him in store again - fully clothed."

A Hampshire spokesman said: "We are aware of an alleged incident in Ashford last week and are conducting a thorough internal enquiry. Swift and appropriate action will be taken depending on the outcome of our own investigations."

Naked cricketers aren't necessarily a new thing; James Anderson has disrobed for Attitude magazine, while Ian Botham famously ran in with his "old man dangling in the wind" for his final delivery as a professional cricketer. Perhaps the only surprise was that the player in question was trying to buy a bottle of vodka rather than meat and two veg.