A FORMER Hampshire and England cricketer has been banned from the roads for more than two years after he was caught drink-driving.

Bowler Alan Mullally, 40, was nearly four times the legal drink-drive limit when he was stopped near his home in Fletchwood Lane, Totton.

Mullally was driving his Fiesta at 20mph and weaving across the road, New Forest magistrates were told.

Rachel Lile, prosecuting, said: "His speed was fluctuating and he was stopped because of his poor standard of driving. He said to officers: 'Yes, I know, I've had a couple of beers'."

Mullally was found to have an alcohol level of 123 micrograms, the legal limit being 35.

Anne Baron, in mitigation, said her client was at a stag party until 5am on the day of the offence and drank more alcohol at lunchtime.

"He had a pint, which topped him up enough to receive the reading he did," she said.

Mullally was banned from driving for 29 months and told to complete 250 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs.

The cricketer, who grew up in Australia, began his UK career with Hampshire in 1988.

He made his mark in one-day international matches and at one time was ranked number two in the world in that form of the game.