World Cup star found sleeping in neighbour's car

Former Zimbabwe star Brendan Taylor has caused a stir in Nottingham after being woken by police sleeping off the celebrations of a county win on the back seat of a neighbour's car.

Taylor starred for the African nation at this year's World Cup, finishing as the tournament's fourth-highest run-scorer with 433 at 72.16, including 138 off 110 balls against India, before retiring from international cricket and taking up a more lucrative county contract with Nottinghamshire.

He had played in Notts' rain-affected one-day cup quarter-final win over Durham on Tuesday, and later reportedly become disorientated on his way home, finding refuge from a downpour in the back of an unlocked vehicle.

Taylor: Why I quit Zimbabwe for county cricket

He was sound asleep in the blue hatchback the next morning when discovered by the vehicle's owner, 45-year-old local resident Michael Whitaker.

"I did not know what to do. Someone I didn't know had fallen asleep in our car," Whitaker told local paper Nottingham Post.

Whitaker told the paper he promptly called the police and hid around the corner to wait for them as Taylor snored.

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Taylor in action for Notts this season // Getty

"An officer tried to wake him up and when he came round, he was dazed," said Whitaker.

"It was the most bizarre situation I think I have ever been in. Neither myself, the police or Brendan knew what to do.

"I don't think he knew where he was but he was very apologetic and it quickly became clear that it was very innocent.

"Realising who it was made it even funnier because how often do you find an international cricket star asleep in your car?"

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Brendan Taylor celebrates a World Cup ton // Getty

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police told the paper: "We attended the scene but concluded that no offence had been committed. The man in the car was extremely apologetic and even offered to get the car valeted."

Nottinghamshire and Taylor declined to comment.

Taylor quit international cricket after reportedly earning around AUD $250 before tax for his World Cup efforts, the equivalent of 58 cents per run. 

"It is every international player's dream to put on their country's shirt, that is why we play the sport," Taylor told BBC Sport in April.

"But our careers do not last forever and I want to go and play in a great set-up, which Notts has provided for me.

"It was not an easy decision but I guess every player would be lying if they say they are not trying to maximise on potential earnings."

Money is an issue that plagues Zimbabwe and Taylor is not the first player to look overseas for financial security.

In 2013, talented young batsman Craig Ervine refused a central Zimbabwe Cricket contract in favour of playing club cricket with Northern Irish side Lisburn and Grade cricket for Morley in Western Australia, while fast bowler Kyle Jarvis retired at 24 to play for county side Lancashire.