There have been players who have not only excelled in cricket, but in other sports as well, and that too for the same country. Such has been their talent that even if they have taken any other sport other than cricket, they have had done well. Cricwizz takes a look at few cricketers who have played or excelled in other sports as well.
1) Jonty Rhodes - Cricketer-cum-hockey player
He is famous for redefining the art of fielding. His aerial stunts to pull off unbelievable catches or gravity-defying moves to effect run-out made for great picture-perfect shots. But he was also a resolute batsman but was known more for his effective fielding. In fact, he won matches on just his fielding skills.
He also played hockey for South Africa. He was selected to represent his country in the 1992 Olympic Games, but unfortunately, the Proteas did not qualify for the tournament. In the next Games, he missed the trials due to an injury.
2) Ellyse Perry - Multi-talented sportswoman
The Aussie cricketer, who is a role model for upcoming female cricketers for her exploits on the field, has played many sports before taking up cricket as her career. She played tennis, athletics, football and golf before finally realising her true calling in cricket. She has scored the highest Test score (213 not out) by an Aussie woman cricketer and has also taken 150 wickets in ODIs.
3) Cricketers turned golfers - Kapil Dev and Ajit Agarkar
Kapil Dev, the World Cup-winning captain for India in 1983, took up golf after retiring from cricket. He won in the 60-64 individual age category in Champions Golf in September 2019 to prove he is a master in a sport other than cricket. Indian all-rounder Ajit Agarkar also took up golf post-retirement. He represented India in the world finals of 22nd Annual World Corporate Golf Challenge in Cascais, Portugal in 2016.
4) Andrew Flintoff - cricketer turned boxer
Flintoff was one of the top-class all-rounders England had ever produced. He was the architect of many memorable victories for England across all formats. His topless act after winning an ODI against India in 2001 and then his sportsman’s spirit to console Australian Brett Lee after winning an Ashes Test and his ability to slam sixes at will – Flintoff has done it all admirably.
But post his retirement from cricket, he took up boxing, albeit for just one match. In 2012, he won his first and only boxing match against American Richard Dawson on a points decision in the heavyweight category.
Photo: Indulge Express
