Cricketer caught drink driving

He had spent the day on the beach with his girlfriend relaxing and enjoying a drink.

But when they arrived at her home later, the pair became embroiled in a heated argument and he decided to leave.

It was while driving away that he was spotted by police and ordered to pull over.

The talented cricketer was disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined 150 and ordered to pay 43 costs.

He is due to return to Australia shortly but agreed to attend a drink-drivers' rehabilitation course if he returns to England.

If he completes this before April 6, his ban will be reduced to nine months.

Lewis has been Bexhill's overseas player during the 2005 Sussex Division Two cricket season.

He scored an impressive 67 not out in his side's final league fixture again Pulborough on Saturday.

He was the club's leading runs scorer this season with 668 runs at an average of 44.53 with a best score of 85 against league runners-up Cuckfield.

Bexhill Club Captain Steve Phillimore said: "He has had a good season for us and gone down well with all the players and people connected with the club but obviously this is disappointing to hear."

When back in his homeland, the specialist wicketkeeper plays for Western Eagles in South Australia.

The ban will not affect his driving status outside England.