A TOP England cricket took to the 'crease' as part of an unusual cricket game, in the Solent.

The middle of the Solent played host to one of the most bizarre sporting fixtures in the cricketing calendar in the early hours of Sunday morning – and has done for more than 60 years.

England star Stuart Broad joined the action on a Solent sandbank, alongside others from the Royal Southern Yacht Club and their counterparts across the Solent in Cowes, the Island Sailing Club.

The annual Bramble Bank cricket match is aimed at highlighting the accessibility of the sport.

The sandbank itself is only revealed once a year for around an hour at the lowest tide, becoming a wicket until the advancing sea stops play, and has been taking place since the 1950s.

England paceman Stuart Broad who was taking part in his role as Hardys ambassador, said it was one of the most unique games of cricket he has been part of.

He said: “Well that was different! Plenty of areas for us bowlers to aim at! This has certainly been the most unique game of cricket I have ever been a part of. It’s fantastic to see cricket bringing local communities together to play the sport we all love in such a quirky location.”

Captain of the winning side, Mark Thompson, said: “We are delighted that Hardys chose to support our annual Bramble Bank match and to have Stuart Broad on our team was a once in a lifetime experience.”

The match was umpired by comedian and actor Miles Jupp as fielders were able to cool down with a quick dip when retrieving boundaries.

Miles said: “If you ever wanted to sum up the spirit of English cricket, Bramble Bank would be a great place to start – you just need a bat and ball and some willing teammates.”

The match drew to a close at 7am with the rising tides closing in.