Ex-cricket greats Warne, Lara, Richards to exchange bats for golf clubs in NZ Open

Former cricketing greats Shane Warne, Brian Lara and Sir Vivian Richards are set to swap bats for golf clubs as they would reportedly feature in the New Zealand Open golf tournament this year alongside returning cricket stars Ricky Ponting and Sir Ian Botham.

Some of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game would take a shot on a golf course in March at the Queenstown Pro-Am tournament, with a number of other names also confirmed.

Former England spinner Graeme Swann and New Zealand trio Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle and Mark Richardson would all feature as amateurs in the event, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Warne, who is reportedly a particular drawcard for organisers, said that he is really excited to be a part of the Pro-Am, adding that he would hopefully find some form before the tournament starts.

The Australian spin legend also said that he absolutely loved his last round at The Hills late last year and is looking forward to getting back out there again.

Keen golfer Botham said that he couldn't overlook a chance to come back to New Zealand either. He said that he finds if difficult to turn down the chance to come and play golf in New Zealand, especially in Queenstown with its stunning scenery and fantastic food and wine.

The former England Test cricketer and captain also said that he has played in the Dunhill Links Pro-Am event in Scotland for many years, and added that it's just great to see a tournament played across similar lines being held in New Zealand.

Elsewhere, former Australian captain Ponting returns, having stolen the opening round show in 2013 when he notched six birdies. He said that he cannot wait for the chance to pit his golfing skills again with some of the best cricketing names in the game.