Howzzat! Williams sisters vs Murali-Finch

World number 1 Serena Williams took time off her hectic preparations ahead of Australian Open to try her hand at cricket. She was joined by her sister and fellow tennis player Venus as the two received first-hand 'training' from Muttiah Muralitharan and Aaron Finch.

Serena tried her hand batting and while she took a while to adjust, she ripped the ball with her 'forehands' once she got used to the extra weight. "The bat was heavy. We don't play cricket - it's not our sport but we were excited to come out and try with some great players," she was quoted as saying in media reports.

While Serena was unable to understand the need to defend the ball, her power-hitting impressed Sri Lanka's Muralitharan, a veteran with  800 Test wickets. "She was so powerful and hitting so hard. I think it was very fun because to have them here - she's world number one and (Venus is) former number one - it's great for us to be with them and do some promotions," he said. (More images from the 'explosive innings')

Muralitharan was with his Melbourne Renegades' skipper Aaron Finch - a strong hitter himself. And Finch too was clearly impressed by what he saw. "The way they hit it, they're more than welcome to bat at the top of the order. I might have to slide down a few spots," he said, despite his own strike-rate in excess of 92 in ODIs.

Venus, who largely remained behind the stumps, also donned the wicket-keepers gloves and later joined her sister to pose for mediapersons present at the top of Melbourne hotel. The two were also presented with Melbourne Renegades' team jersey.