Andy Murray pitches in to 'net' Malaria

Edinburgh, June 7 (ANI): Altruistic tennis star Andy Murray is pitching in to combat Malaria, one of the world's biggest killers.

The ace player has acted in a charity ad by Malaria No More UK, that promotes the use of mosquito nets, which would prevent the disease from spreading and save thousands of lives in Africa.

The 42-second advertisement shows Murray preparing for his famous serve, but with one crucial feature missing, the tennis-court in the ad does not have a net.

He then deftly performs tricks with the ball and racket while waiting for the net to appear.

"I hope people enjoy the ad and take away the serious message behind it. Malaria is a preventable disease, yet it still claims the lives of 2,000 people a day in Africa. A disease of that scale here in the UK would be unthinkable, and surely the same should apply for Africa," the Scotsman quoted Murray, as saying.

"A life-saving mosquito net costs less than a pack of tennis balls," he added.

Malaria affects half of the world's population and kills 850,000 people each year. More than 90 per cent of the deaths occur in Africa.

It costs 5 pounds to buy and deliver a mosquito net to a family in Africa. The net would protect two people and last five years.

Murray is on the board of the charity's leadership council, along with fellow sportsman and supporter David Beckham. (ANI)