BEN CHILWELL revealed he played cricket up until 14 – and admitted he was ‘maybe BETTER’ at it than football.
The Chelsea left-back made revelation while hitting a few balls with England cricket legend Kevin Pietersen, courtesy of Three.
Pietersen, a Blues fan, asked Chilwell about his cricketing past, and was left shocked to learn of the defender’s experience.
Chilwell, 25, said: “Probably started at six or seven. Played until I was 14. I think at the time I was potentially, maybe better at cricket.”
Pietersen, 41, responded: “Oh my gosh. I’ve got a problem here today.”
Chilwell played county cricket at school in Bedfordshire, so it was no surprise he had an answer for Pietersen’s trademark spin bowling.
KP remarked: “Are you sure you’re not playing often?” But Chilwell responded: “It’s been a while.”
The full-back signed for Chelsea in 2019 from Leicester, and has since scored seven goals for the club.
His attacking ability impressed Pietersen so much, Chilwell was advised to push for a position further afield.
KP joked: “You might want to just leave left-back. Can you get out of left-back or not?”
Chilwell replied: “I’ll go into the managers tomorrow and have a word with him.”
One thing the England international is sure of, is that choosing football over cricket was the right call.
He said: “I think you’ve just showed me that I made the right decision not picking cricket.”
