Australian police on Wednesday (May 5) arrested four men in connection with the alleged kidnapping of former cricketer Stuart MacGill, local media reported.

According to the reports, MacGill was allegedly abducted from near his home in Sydney on April 14 and taken to another part of the city, where he was assaulted and threatened with a gun.

"About 8 PM on Wednesday 14 April 2021, a 50-year-old man was allegedly confronted by a 46-year-old man (in) Cremorne," New South Wales Police said in a statement.

"A short time later the pair were approached by two other men, forcing the older man into a vehicle.

"He was then driven to a property at Bringelly, where the two men, plus another unknown man, allegedly assaulted the 50-year-old man and threatened him with a firearm. About an hour later, the man was driven to the Belmore area and released."

Police said the incident had been reported on April 20, leading to a probe by the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad.

"Strike force detectives, with assistance from Raptor Squad and the Public Order and Riot Squad, arrested four men – aged 27, 29, 42, and 46 – from 6 AM today," the police statement added.

"The men were taken to local police stations where charges are expected to be laid."

A talented leg-spinner, Stuart MacGill represented Australia in 44 Tests, claiming 2018 wickets at an average of 29.03 with 12 five-wicket hauls. He also played 3 ODIs and picked up 6 wickets in the 50-over format.

(Inputs from Reuters)