It’s not quite the equivalent of convincing Merv Hughes to shave off his moustache but it’s close. For five years dreadlocks have been a key part of Andrew Symonds’ image but now he is gearing up to them chopped off for charity.

As part of the World’s Greatest Shave, which raises money for the Leukaemia Foundation, Symonds will get rid of the locks on live TV on February 14.

It remains to be seen whether it will be akin to Samson losing his hair, although the publicity shy Symonds sees at least one benefit. "I am looking forward to it,” he said. “I will be able to sneak around a little bit more.”