William and Kate face off at the crease on royal tour

The Duchess of Cambridge takes a swing during the 2015 Cricket World Cup event in Christchurch. Credit: REUTERS/Phil Noble

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge turned their hands to cricket today, as they visited Christchurch on day eight of their tour of New Zealand.

The heir to the throne even got a ticking off from his wife after throwing a wide, as the Duchess prepared to bat.

The Duchess of Cambridge reacts after the Duke of Cambridge bowled a full toss delivery. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Poo

The pair had been meeting organisers of the 2015 Cricket World Cup ,which will be held in New Zealand, before taking to the crease themselves.

The Duchess of Cambridge prepares to bat to The Duke of Cambridge's bowling. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Pool

Earlier in the day, the Duke and Duchess met with families of the 185 people killed in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

They also had a short tour of the Transitional Cathedral - constructed largely out of cardboard - after the original was badly damaged in the earthquake.

The Duchess of Cambridge smiles as the umpire signals a wide after the Duke of Cambridge bowled a full toss delivery. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Pool

William, who visited the city soon after the natural disaster struck, gave a speech during the day and described how they were moved by reminders of the earthquake and praised the "resilience and adaptability" of the people.

The Duchess of Cambridge bats to The Duke of Cambridge's bowling. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Pool

They then headed to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where they opened the new Christchurch Victors' centre before heading to the Air Force Museum, where they paid their respects at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Memorial Wall.

The Duke of Cambridge strikes the ball at the cricket event in Christchurch. Credit: REUTERS/Phil Noble
The Duchess of Cambridge, laughs as her husband Britain's Prince William holds the Cricket World Cup. Credit: REUTERS/Phil Noble
The Duchess of Cambridge was greeted by members of the Ngai Tahu iwi in Christchurch. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Pool
The Duchess of Cambridge talks with members of the Ngai Tahu iwi in Christchurch. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA wire
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. Credit: REUTERS/Anthony Phelps