9 Aug 2009

Australian fans claim responsibilty for hotel hoax

7:02 pm on 9 August 2009

Australian cricket fans have claimed responsibility for setting off a fire alarm that forced England's players to evacuate their Leeds hotel for about 20 minutes early on the first day of the fourth Ashes test.

British media had reported a female guest set off the alarm about 4am while trying to dry her underwear .

But Australia's answer to England's Barmy Army has claimed one of its supporters was actually responsible.

The head of the Fanatics, Warren Livingston, says one of them did as a bit of a prank and he doesn't condone it, although his first thought was they were doing their bit for Australia.

He says they still had a big laugh and the alarm might have made a difference to England's batting.

They made a disastrous start after winning the toss and were all out for 102.