The man, identified as Alexander James from Queensland, was jailed for one week for his naked run across the ground in Pallekele near the picturesque town of Kandy during Tuesday's washed-out final session on day one.

"He was charged on two counts — drunken behaviour at a public place and indecent exposure," said an official at the Kandy magistrate's court by telephone.

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"He was also fined 3,000 rupees ($20)." Streaking at sporting events is rare in conservative Sri Lanka and police stepped up security after the naked escapade at Pallekele International Stadium, where Sri Lanka are taking on Australia in the first Test.

Footage showed the man jump the fence, strip, then run across the covers brought on to protect the ground from rain that had halted play.

As an armed police commando tried to tackle him, he ran off the ground but was arrested later. A police official said they pressed charges in part because his actions had hurt the sensibilities of Buddhist priests in Kandy.