Watch | UK PM Rishi Sunak engages in cricket with England team, takes on James Anderson

PTC News Desk: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, known for his passion for cricket, recently had the opportunity to showcase his skills as he joined the England men's cricket team for a net session. The highlight of the session was Sunak facing legendary speedster James Anderson, adding excitement to the event.

This interaction between the Prime Minister and the cricketing icons occurred amidst Sunak's announcement of a £35 million investment in cricket across England and Wales.

Rishi Sunak's enthusiasm for cricket is no secret, and his participation in the net session with the England team further solidified his love for the sport. Taking to social media, Sunak shared glimpses of the session, jokingly questioning if he was "ready for the call-up." The England cricket team responded humorously, suggesting he might need a few more net sessions before making the cut.

During the session, Sunak faced deliveries from James Anderson, who recently achieved the remarkable milestone of 700 wickets in Test cricket. Despite being up against a seasoned bowler, Sunak displayed commendable technique, impressing onlookers with his defensive strokes. Although he encountered some challenges, Sunak maintained his composure and continued to enjoy the experience, even amidst the intensity of the training session.

Expressing his delight, Sunak jokingly expressed his desire to stay on the field for the rest of the day, evoking laughter from those present. He also took the time to interact with young academy players, signing autographs and clicking pictures, further emphasising his genuine enthusiasm for the sport.

Overall, Rishi Sunak's involvement with the England cricket team not only showcased his passion for cricket but also provided a refreshing break from his political responsibilities, demonstrating the importance of leisure activities in maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

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Sunak reveals cricket investement package

Rishi Sunak has recently disclosed a significant GBP 35 million investment plan aimed at promoting cricket across England and Wales.

Expressing his passion for the sport, Sunak stated, "I love cricket, that's no secret. So I'm pleased that today we can support even more young people in getting into the game." The investment, totaling £35 million, is set to facilitate the participation of over 900,000 youth in cricket, as announced by Sunak on 'X'.

The initiative seeks to bolster sports at the grassroots level nationwide. The allocated funds will be directed towards the construction of 16 all-weather domes at cricket grounds slated to host matches for the T20 World Cup in 2026 and 2030. Notably, England and Wales are scheduled to host the Women's T20 World Cup in 2026, while England, Scotland, and Ireland will jointly host the Men's T20 World Cup in 2030.

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(Inputs from agencies)