Karl Stefanovic strips on live TV after Australia’s Ashes disaster

HE warned us he wasn’t joking. Karl Stefanovic held true to his promise, getting his gear off on live TV after Australia’s shocking Ashes collapse.

HE warned us he wasn’t joking.

Karl Stefanovic held true to his promise this morning, getting his gear off on live television after Aussie cricket captain Michael Clarke failed to score a century in Australia’s first innings of the fourth Test in Nottingham.

After teasing the strip all morning, the ballsy brekkie host finally snuck backstage to de-robe before darting across the stage in front of co-hosts Lisa Wilkinson and Richard Wilkins.

Thankfully for everyone watching at home, a giant cricket ball was put in an appropriate place to protect his dignity.

Dickie said: “I can’t believe he did that! Thank goodness for that little ball there.”

Lisa joked: “Just one ball.”

Author Nikki Gemmell, an unsuspecting guest on the Today show, made sure to shield her eyes with her sunnies before the streak.

HE DID IT! NUDIE RUN!!! @karlstefanovic #Today9 pic.twitter.com/STRAktCsIL

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) August 6, 2015

The Today show presenter made the bold declaration on Twitter last night, vowing to his 340,000 followers that he would strip on the show if Clarkey “doesn’t get a hundred”.

It couldn’t have gone worse for the Australian cricket team, with our batsmen obliterated by England fast bowler Stuart Broad. Clarke, the only recognised batsman to reach double figures, was out for 10, becoming Broad’s fifth victim of the match.

All out for 60 in the fourth Test, it was Australia’s worst Ashes collapse since 1936.

If clarkey doesn't get a hundred I'm gear off on the show tomorrow. Woohoo. Positives for everyone. What

— Karl Stefanovic (@karlstefanovic) August 6, 2015

Karlos has been gearing up for a nudie run for a while now. During the State of Origin, the passionate Queensland supporter vowed to run the length of Sydney’s Pitt Street sans clothes if the Maroons lost.

But there was never going to be any backing out of the bet this morning, given the popular TV presenter even had the support of Channel 9 supremo David Gyngell.

Despite working together for eight years, Lisa revealed on air that today was the first time she had ever seen her colleague in the buff.

Nine boss David Gyngell just rang and said he's rung @TurnbullMalcolm and we are good to go. I'm off for a run.

— Karl Stefanovic (@karlstefanovic) August 6, 2015

Just so you know I'm not joking. This text from Gynge. pic.twitter.com/FllXiUEriJ

— Karl Stefanovic (@karlstefanovic) August 6, 2015