Going batty over cricket (From Warrington Guardian)

Going batty over cricket

THE cricket fever that has gripped much of the country over the course of this summer's Ashes series has also gripped the Warrington public's imagination.

The success of the England team to enthuse the British public for cricket, after years in the doldrums, could have an affect on the grassroots of the sport with an increase in demand for cricket equipment.

The town's sport shops have all received an increase in inquiries for cricket equipment, far exceeding the usual demand.

Some sports shops the Warrington Guardian spoke to had sold hardly any equipment at the beginning of the cricket season, however, now many sports shops are reporting that they have entirely sold out of bats and other cricket gear.

The interest could also transmit itself into greater success for Warrington's cricket clubs.

Malcolm Martin of Warrington Sports Club said that there had been a significant increase in inquiries for the club's cricket teams. But he added: "We are one week from the end of the season so we will only really discover if cricket's popularity has caught on at the beginning of next year's season."