Australian streaker given one-week jail term after running naked across cricket field in Sri Lanka

AN AUSTRALIAN man has been jailed for a week after sliding nude across rain-soaked covers during the first Test in Sri Lanka.

Alex James was sentenced to seven days for indecent exposure and fined for intoxication after he rushed the pitch during a rain delay, stripped off and threw himself over the sodden ground.

Having initially entered the field of play fully clothed, there was no police interuption as the crowd cheered the Brisbane man on.

Twirling his shirt over his head, he quickly removed his clothes to whooping from the crowd and starting sliding on the covers protecting the wicket.

But the police finally cottoned on and frog-marched the Aussie off the field and down the station - where he received a fine of 3000 rupees (about £35) and a week in the cells.

Sri Lanka has strict laws on public exposure - particularly where children might see - and this is considered a heavy sentence for streaking.

Australia are in the ascendancy in a low-scoring affair, with Sri Lanka set to resume on 6-1, 80 runs behind in their second innings.