Bush tries hand at cricket

Islamabad, Mar 4 (UNI) The lush green lawns at the United States embassy here were humming with activity as visiting US President George W Bush played cricket with young boys and girls of Pakistani schools today.

The US President's first attempt at learning the game was quite a success when it came to batting and he picked up the strokes easily.

Among the spectators were an anxiously watching Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and US Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan C Crocker, who saw the beaming President Bush play cricket, with children.

With Pakistani cricket team captain Inzamam-ul Haq at the balling end, President Bush tried his hands at one of the most popular sport in South Asia.

The event was aimed at apprising President Bush of cricket and to seek his support in popularising the game in the United States.

He was briefed about the ''How's and Why's'' of the sport, by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shahryar Khan.

He was told how to hold the bat and hit the ball hard and square.

President Bush showed his quick learning abilities and hit the first ball but the second one hit his shoulder as he misjudged the ball.

The Texan who is a baseball player himself owns a major league baseball team - Texas Ranger - from Dallas. His father, Bush senior, was a star in college team.

He also tried his hands at bowling, but could not send left-handed opening batsman Salman Butt to pavillion.

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