test2wa

The Ashes

Australian fans claim they raised the false fire alarm which roused the England players from their beds in pyjamas.

'The Fanatics' -- Australian supporters who follow their Test team around the world -- claimed they set off the fire alarm at Radisson Hotel in Leeds at about 4.30am on Friday, the first day of the fourth Test.

England players were evacuated with other guests and staff while two fire engines searched the premises for the source of the alarm.

Players were left standing on the street in their pyjamas for more than 20 minutes until the all-clear was given for them to return. Just hours later, they were shot out for a paltry 102 after winning the toss in the crucial Test.

Warren Livingston, head of the Fanatics, told 'The Sunday Telegraph' that one of the 100-strong group had set the alarm off to disrupt the English team's sleep, describing it as "good old fashioned Aussie high-jinks".

"Yes it was one of our guys who did it as a bit of a prank, I got a text message after it happened," Livingston said.

"At first I thought 'good onya', we're just doing our bit for Australia. But I can't condone this sort of thing. I don't want any trouble. We've all had a big laugh and it might have made a difference, the way they batted."

British media reports, however, say the alarm may have been set off by another hotel guest even as Cricket Australia threatened to take action if the claims by Australian supporters were true.

A CA spokesman said "if it is shown to be the result of inappropriate behaviour by members of the public, we would not condone that at all".

The spokesman though praised the Fanatics as "usually committed to responsible behaviour".

English wicket keeper Matt Prior blamed the incident for his team's batting collapse.

"I think I was sleepwalking. It wasn't ideal. Anyone would be slightly miffed at 5am standing in the rain with no shoes on. It's not an excuse, but there were a few grumpy people around complaining they had been woken up at 5am."

Born-again fast bowler Stuart Clark also believes England's "crazy" pre-match morning played a role in Australia's domination of the Test.

"It would have been a distraction," Clark said after destroying Englands middle order with 3-18 in his first Test in nine months.

"Obviously there was a lot of talk about Andrew, is he or isn't he going to play? Obviously the fire alarm, then Matt Prior, and we actually hit one of their coaching staff with a ball in the head, so it actually all went in our favour.