New Delhi: New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, an ardent rugby fan, also displayed his cricketing prowess at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium here Monday, lustily hitting former cricket captain Stephen Fleming for few boundaries.
Lauding Key for his cricketing abilities, Fleming said: “Our prime minister is a great batsman. A few months back when he picked up the bat for the first time, he hit (legendary Australian spinner) Shane Warne for three consecutive fours.”
The 49-year-old Key padded up alongside some of the underprivileged children, supported by NGO Asha, during a charity programme here.
He didn’t waste much time in padding up and dashed to the centre of the ground to face Fleming.
The former New Zealand batsman’s gentle medium pace didn’t trouble Key, who hit him for a few shots outside the ground.
Fleming, however, had the last laugh as Key, in his attempt to step out, gave an easy catch at long-on.
The New Zealand prime minister also presented cricketing gear to the underprivileged children.
In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, Key also announced sports scholarships for Indian students.
Key said he wants to connect the two countries with sports and for that his government wants to give out sports scholarships to Indian students. (IANS)