CRICKETER Gareth Batty thought it was a joke when he received a picture text message of his luxury 4x4 submerged under the River Severn at New Road.

But unfortunately for the 29-year-old county spin bowler, he had left the VW Touareg parked on ground behind the Worcestershire County Cricket Club pavillion which, unbeknown to him, flooded when the river broke its banks at the weekend.

Gareth had parked the vehicle - given to him by the England Cricket Board - there on Wednesdsay night while he jetted off for a four-night holiday in Tenerife.

He received the picture of the Touareg - which start from about £30,000 for a basic model - up to its windows in water from groundsman Tim Packwood while he was sunning himself on a beach at the weekend.

"To be honest I thought it was a joke when I received it," he said.

"Then I got a message from David Leatherdale (commercial director) confirming it.

"I'm a bit disappointed but it's just one of those things."

Gareth put on his waders to see if he could rescue the VW yesterday afternoon - but unfortunately it would not start.

However, he is remaining optimistic.

"VW have told me that it has a sealed engine so hopefully it will just need a new battery," he said.

"And althought it's a bit damp, it doesn't smell as much as I thought it would. Nothing a good valet won't sort out."

A spokesman for Volkswagen said the Touareg is a remarkable robust vehicle.

"It has a three-part door sealing system, sealed headlight units and sealed bonnet and boot to allow it to cross rivers," he said.

"It's meant for off-roading so can deal with an awful lot of water.

"It's also got a steel chassis which is fully galvanised so it won't rust.

"The only problem I can forsee might be with the electrical system but once that's dried out it should be fine."