UK Royals Williams, Kate get some cricketing action in New Zealand

The ICC 2015 Cricket World Cup is just under a year away and the international cricket body is doing all in it's power to take the game to the masses to promote the tournament.

So, marking the countdown to the tournament was the UK Royal family with Prince William and his beautiful wife Catherine 'Kate' Middleton getting some cricket practice at Latimer Square in Christchurch, New Zealand on Monday.

Kate Middleton did not have the best of cricketing stances nor was her bat-swing anywhere near professional, but with her bright smile and sporting spirit she brought some joy to the lucky 28 children from seven schools selected to play the sport in front of the Duke and Duchess during their visit to the city on Monday.

In a thoughtful gesture, as part of their tour, the Prince and his wife also met the families of people killed in the Christchurch earthquake of 2011.

Prince William sportingly then went ahead and bowled some right-arm 'quickies' against wife Kate. 

He later took to batting and impressed those watching, with his big shots.

Among others who graced the event were New Zealand cricket heroes Sir Richard Hadlee and Debbie Hockley who lead the game, that was played to promote the World Cup 2015, which begins in Christchurch in February.

Kate Middleton and Prince William greet kids before the match at Latimer Square on Monday.

 The Royal couple are currently in New Zealand and touring the country until Wednesday, when they then head to Australia.