The thorny problems of coronavirus and Brexit transition negotiations might be enough to stump any man but Boris Johnson displayed his prowess with bat and ball in a game of cricket with schoolchildren in his constituency.

The Prime Minister has been on a fitness drive following his own hospital ordeal when he was struck down by Covid-19 earlier this year but showed his experience in dealing with hostile deliveries when he was at the crease, while his bowling stint left his opponents wondering if they might be bamboozled by his mastery of spin.

Mr Johnson, who was mayor of London during the 2012 Olympics, has often needed little invitation to take up a sporting challenge and famously floored one child rugby player who tried to tackle him during a visit to Japan. He has also been known to play tennis in the grounds of the Palace of Westminster.