Turnbull the cricket-shy PM

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confessed on Australia Day that he's not much of a cricketer.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confessed on Australia Day that he's not much of a cricketer. (AAP)

It was probably the most un-Australian thing an Australian prime minister could confess to on Australia Day.

But Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has revealed he's "not much of a cricketer".

Asked on Network Ten whether he had snuck in a game of backyard cricket during his busy Australia Day schedule, Mr Turnbull replied: "No, I haven't. Although that would be embarrassing sight if I did."

Mr Turnbull insisted he was not scarred from former prime minister John Howard's humiliation in 2005.

The cricket tragic bowled a shocker that was caught on camera during a game with Aussie troops and children while visiting earthquake hit Pakistan.

"I encourage anyone to have a go at playing cricket. I just know how bad I am at it," Mr Turnbull said.

During last year's election campaign Mr Turnbull actively avoided joining in ball games with children.