Cricket is a sport famous for dogged efforts lasting multiple days - think Michael Atherton's famous 185 in Johannesburg or Alastair Cook's epic 263 last year. 

But one man has just put those achievements in the shade, by batting for an astonishing 51 hours, without a break.

Rwandan captain Eric Dusingizimana has set a world record for time in a net, as he completed a marathon effort on Friday after batting solidly for more than two days.

Dusingizimana, who was raising money to help build the first national cricket stadium in Rwanda, faced the final ball, bowled by his wife, in front of a large crowd on Friday morning.

During the 51-hour net he was allowed five minutes every hour as a break, which included health breaks to let him eat.

During the marathon effort he faced deliveries from former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, while the British High Commissioner to Rwanda, William Gelling, bowled him the first ball of his stint.

Remarkably, after more than two days of solid batting, Dusingizimana was able to perform a headstand at the end to celebrate his achievement.

After the Rwanda cricket Twitter account wrote: 'No sleep for two days #nowthatstough Batting for 51 hours with only five minute break each hour #verytough'

Rwanda is an afiliate member of the ICC - the step below the Associate members, who can qualify to compete with full members at the sport's global events.

Their captain has already raised over £5,000, and is pushing to take that total up to £15,000 after breaking the record held by Indian Virag Mare, who batted for 50 hours in December of last year. 

(Daily Mail)