London, August 5

World Cup winner James Faulkner said he was “deeply embarrassed and sorry” after being fined £10,000 ($15,650) on Tuesday and banned from driving for two years.

The 25-year-old all-rounder, who was named man-of-the-match in this year’s World Cup final, was nearly three times over the limit when his car was involved in a minor collision with the back of another vehicle in Manchester, northwest England. Faulkner, who plays with English county Lancashire in the city, had been at a restaurant and did not want to walk a mile home in heavy rain, Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard.

Sentencing him, District Judge Mark Hadfield said: “I am sure you accept it was foolhardy in extreme to get behind the wheel of your vehicle having been out for a meal with your friend.” Lancashire head coach Ashley Giles subsequently.

Cricket Australia last month temporarily banned Faulkner for “conduct that is unbecoming of a representative”, meaning he will miss Australia’s limited overs matches against England and Ireland in August and September. He will have to undergo an alcohol management counselling programme.

A statement was read to reporters on Faulkner’s behalf. “My decision to drive that day was wholly my own and clearly it was an error in my judgement,” the cricketer said.