BE very careful when you turn on your television.

Today Show host Karl Stefanovic has promised to strip nude live on the breakfast show on Friday morning after a bold declaration on Twitter blew up in his face.

The 40-year-old presenter tried to show some encouragement to the under-pressure Australian team by declaring he would go nude on Channel 9 if captain Michael Clarke did not score a century in Australia’s first innings of the fourth Test in Nottingham.

It could not have gone worse for the TV journalist - or regular Channel 9 viewers.

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

As the Australian batsmen were obliterated by England fast bowler Stuart Broad, Clarke was the only recognised batsman to reach double figures.

But he was just delaying the inevitable and was caught off the bowling of Broad for 10.

Rather than try and pull back from the stunt, Stefanovic made it clear he intends to stick by his promise - much to the horror of Australian television owners.

At least we've got ten. #ashes — Karl Stefanovic (@karlstefanovic) August 6, 2015

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

Stefanovic claims he even has the support of Channel 9 supremo David Gyngell.

Just so you know I'm not joking. This text from Gynge. pic.twitter.com/FllXiUEriJ — Karl Stefanovic (@karlstefanovic) August 6, 2015

Even more concerning is that the show’s Twitter account soon confirmed Stefanovic will go through with the nude run Friday morning.

It’s a remarkable change of perspective for the goggle box star, as these pictures suggest from last week.

At the very least Stefanovic’s antics may distract Australians from the horror of the Ashes.

The Aussies were outclassed last night with their first innings score of 60 from 111 balls the quickest first innings in the history of Test cricket.

Here’s how the carnage unfolded: