Andy Murray and Kevin Pietersen had a unique contest, in which the pair played their own modified game of cricket. Pietersen donned the role of a batter, and Murray performed as a bowler, but with a twist. Instead of bowling, as in a game of cricket, Murray served tennis balls to Pietersen, and the former England cricketer had to survive.
Andy Murray faced Kevin Pietersen in a cricket-tennis crossover contest.
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The contest had different levels, and it began with Murray serving at 60-70mph. Pietersen began on a confident note, but soon Murray found his rhythm, and the body blows began, especially on Pietersen's legs. In the second level, Murray served at 90-99mph, and Pietersen found it hard to deal with, suffering body blows. He also managed to showcase some of his shots, also jokingly calling Murray, "You can do whatever you want to do, Sir Andy!"
The contest was hosted in Pietersen's YouTube podcast The Switch. The third level saw Murray getting the option to serve with wet and dry balls at 100mph or more. He began with a wet ball, and Pietersen managed to defend it. A delivery later, the body blows began again, with Pietersen saying, "I think that's missing close," and Murray laughed in response.
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Towards the end, Murray said, "I have hit you around eight times."
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Towards the end, Murray said, "I have hit you around eight times."
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Then, in the final delivery, he hit Pietersen again, who claimed that Murray could be an aggressive fast bowler.
Watch full video of Kevin Pietersen's tennis-cricket crossover challenge vs Andy Murray:
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Murray retired from tennis after his quarterfinal exit at the 2024 Paris Olympics. During his playing career, he won 46 ATP Tour singles titles, including three Grand Slams at the 2012 US Open, 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon. He also clinched two gold medals at the Olympics.
Since his retirement from cricket, Pietersen has become a mainstay in cricket media and commentary. His playing career was often controversial, and he also had a brief stint as England captain.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Tennis/Andy Murray torments Kevin Pietersen in wild tennis-cricket crossover challenge with brutal body blows - Watch
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