Phil Tufnell puts his underwear on suitcases to keep them safe from thieves

Phil Tufnell ties his underpants to his suitcases to ensure nobody steals them.

The England cricket icon, 57, admitted putting his spare Y-fronts on his suitcase gives him peace of mind that nobody but him will want to touch them, but doing so also makes his suitcases more recognisable on the airport carousel after a tiring journey.

In his new book ‘The Tourist', he wrote: “Let’s face it, half of them [suitcases] look exactly the same. It’s not beyond the realms of imagination that someone else might mistakenly clear off with yours.

“That exact thing happened to my wife Dawn and ever since I’ve swathed the Tufnell bags in all sorts of rags, ribbons and bandages to make sure they stand out on the carousel.

“A pair of Y-fronts wrapped round the handle generally ensures a bag is left well alone.”

Apart from his savvy suitcase antics, Phil admitted his travelling experiences aren’t always as relaxing as he would want them to be.

The sportsman moaned about frequently getting searched by security teams, which leaves him irritated.

He wrote: “I don’t know if I’ve got the face of an international drugs mule, but I’m seemingly always pulled over for a baggage check. It’s as if someone has rung ahead: ’Yep, he’s on the flight. Could staff on the ground please get the rubber gloves ready.’ "

Phil insisted he has been searched so much during his journeys, he now expects his personal space to be invaded whenever he travels.

He wrote: “It’s reached the stage now where I’m expecting to experience a cavity search at every travel hub. ‘But this is Euston Station! I’m only going to Watford! I’m not sure a train conductor is allowed to do that.’ "