Cricket is a sport that demands dedication, skill, and determination. While many cricketers start their journey from a young age, some have explored different sports before making a mark in cricket.
These athletes bring a unique blend of experiences and skills to the cricketing world. Playing multiple sports can be a great way to develop athletic skills, reduce the risk of injury, and increase motivation. It is also a great way to make new friends and socialize with people from different backgrounds.
Here is a list of 5 such stars in cricket who played different sports before getting into cricket. The top bookmakers have a huge betting market with them.
Ellyse Perry
Ellyse Perry is one of the most versatile athletes in the world, having excelled in both cricket and football. She represented Australia in the women's football World Cup in 2011 before making her cricket debut in 2010.
Perry is a world-class all-rounder in cricket, and she is the only player to have scored 1,000 runs and taken 100 wickets in both international ODI cricket and international T20I cricket. She is also the only Australian to have represented the country in both cricket and football at the World Cup.
Jonty Rhodes
Jonty Rhodes, the legendary South African cricketer, had a unique sporting journey before he entered the world of cricket. He was a talented field hockey player and even represented South Africa in the Olympics.
Rhodes was a member of the South African hockey team in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
His background in field hockey endowed him with exceptional agility, reflexes, and athleticism, which he later brought to cricket. Rhodes became renowned for his incredible fielding skills, setting new standards for excellence in the field. His transition from hockey to cricket ultimately made him one of the greatest fielders in the history of the sport.
Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum had an intriguing sporting journey before making his mark in cricket. He was a talented rugby player and represented his country in the sport. McCullum's background in rugby provided him with exceptional strength, agility, and a competitive spirit, which he later harnessed in cricket.
His fearless and aggressive batting style, combined with lightning-quick reflexes, made him a dynamic cricketer. McCullum's transition from rugby to cricket was a testament to his versatility and adaptability, and he went on to become one of the most exciting and influential cricketers in New Zealand's history.
Suzie Bates
Suzie Bates, a prominent name in women's cricket, had a remarkable journey before making her mark in the cricketing world. She excelled in basketball and was a New Zealand national representative in the sport.
Her background in basketball endowed her with remarkable athleticism, agility, and hand-eye coordination. These attributes seamlessly translated into her cricketing skills, making her an exceptional all-rounder.
Suzie Bates has been a dominant force in women's cricket, with numerous records and accolades to her name, showcasing the seamless transition from the basketball court to the cricket pitch and highlighting her adaptability and versatility as a top-level athlete.
AB de Villers
Before becoming a cricketing legend, AB de Villiers, also known as “Mr. 360,” had a background in hockey. He was a talented hockey player and represented South Africa's junior national team.
De Villiers' experience in hockey contributed to his incredible hand-eye coordination, speed, and agility, which are some of his defining traits as a cricketer. His ability to play innovative shots and adapt to different situations on the cricket field can be attributed to his earlier sporting endeavours.
De Villiers' journey from hockey to cricket is a testament to his natural athleticism and his ability to excel in multiple sports.
