Cricket enjoying boom in Australia

The latest Australian Cricket Census has revealed cricket is the number one participation sport in Australia.

A record 880,291 picked up a bat and ball in 2011-12, with female participation enjoying a particular boost with an increase of 29.93% in 2011-12. Women and girls now represent 17.1% of Australia's participants in the country.

Overall, the figure is an increase of 3.54% on the previous year with 682,109 playing the game outdoors ? rising from 464,253 10 years' earlier - and 198,182 indoors.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland was naturally delighted with the progress being made.

"The participation numbers show that cricket is truly a national sport," Sutherland said. "The figures show Australian cricket is striding towards its goal to be Australia's favourite sport but it's vital we continue to evolve and recognise the diverse needs of Australia's population.

"To attract the next generation of players and fans we must offer traditional and modified versions of cricket to make it a sport for all Australians."

In an attempt to figure boost participation in the younger age categories, Cricket Australia will launch the MILO T20 Blast junior programme, targeting boys and girls between the ages of 8-12 as an introduction to the game.