A HOTEL manager was 'knocked for six' as Australian cricketers turned up to stay.

Whilst they were playing the second test at Kidderminster, Veterans Cricket Australia stayed at the Evesham Hotel and Spa.

The team has been touring the UK since the beginning of July, playing a series of county games, as well as test matches against England and Scotland.

Many of the players, all aged over 60, have previously played cricket in Australia at district, county or professional level.

The team lost the three match series 3-0.

Evesham Hotel and Spa general manager, David Field said prior to the third match: “As you would expect, there was plenty of banter between the staff, guests and our Australian visitors.

"It is such a shame the Australian Over 60s lost the first two test matches and I thought it only right to keep reminding them of this.

“We welcome guests from around the world and hope to see the team again in two years’ time. We were all knocked for six by their visit.”

Murray Harrison, captain of the Australian Over 60s, said: “We’ve all had a wonderful time in the town and the hospitality shown by staff at the hotel has been outstanding."

Official Over 60 tours between Australia and England have been conducted every year since 2011. The winner of each series becomes the custodian of the ‘The Grey Ashes’ with Australia’s only victory coming in 2015.