Aegon Classic tennis stars Ana Ivanovic and Donna Vekic bowled the Edgbaston cricket crowd over with their skills as they took to the wicket on Friday evening.

The players provided the half-time entertainment in the Natwest T20 Blast game between the Birmingham Bears and Durham Jets at Edgbaston Stadium, home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

Ivanovic and Vekic, who will be competing next week at the Edgbaston Priory Club, a stone’s throw from the cricket ground, went head-to-head at the wicket, swapping bats for rackets and red leather balls for yellow tennis balls.

Serbia’s Ivanovic took on the role of bowler, firing down serves at 17-year-old Vekic, who was ‘not out’, thanks to some impressive shot-making with her racket.

Ivanovic then padded up at the crease and showed a natural flair with the bat, swiping away deliveries from the young Croatian, Vekic.

“It was great fun,” said Ivanovic, the world number 12. “I only knew a litle bit about cricket before today, but it was exciting to get out on the pitch. It’s fantastic to see everyone having a great time at the cricket. I hope they all come and watch us play at the Aegon Classic too.”

Vekic, last year’s runner up at the Aegon Classic, added: “It was very cool to play out there and wear the pads and all the cricket gear. I hit the stumps a few times in practice so I think I did pretty well!”

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