Perth cricketer charged with rape in UK

A young Australian cricketer has been charged with two counts of rape in England's west.

Alex Hepburn, 21, is due before the Worcester Magistrates Court on December 7, Worcestershire County Cricket Club said in a statement.

The Perth-born allrounder was charged on November 9 after a police investigation into an incident on April 1.

Hepburn's father, Alex Hepburn Sr, told Perth's The West Australian that his son plans to "strongly defend" the allegations and says the incident at his flat was consensual.

The club said Hepburn had been suspended on full pay pending further investigation.