Video: Jake Ball is helping to tackle dwindling numbers of people playing cricket
Nottinghamshire fast bowler Jake Ball is helping to get more people into cricket as the number of people playing the sport has fallen.
One in 20 matches were abandoned in 2014 across the UK because teams could not field enough players.
The English and Welsh Cricket Board have set up 39 centres across Notts to get young people across the county into the game.
Jake Ball has been helping out at some of the centres.
He said: “Anything that’s getting young children into playing the sport is only going to be good for the game and good for English cricket going forward.
“I think the more people we get coming through, the more talent we get.
“I used to play cricket as soon as I played a cricket bat really and I just loved trying to hit the ball as far as possible and that’s what we’re looking to do.”
Cricket development officer for Notts Stephen Campbell said: “Cricket has been going on for 300 years or so and we’re at a point where we need to continue that.
“Lifestyles are changing though and kids aren’t probably as active as they were so to get that passion for sport as early as possible is definitely key.
“We’ve got an extensive schools programme and one of the things we want to do is build grass roots participation and try and ensure we’ve got a number of people to sustain the game going forward.”
For more from Jake and Stephen, watch the May 3 episode of Sports Week on Notts TV at 7.30pm, or see our catch up service.
