GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club and the Gloucester Cricket Board have reflected on the effect England’s success could have on English cricket at every level.

“England’s success will encourage more youngsters to take up the game at grass roots level and, as a club, along with the Gloucestershire Cricket Board, we are very much switched on to giving them the opportunity to do so,” said Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson.

“The other spin-off of the Ashes success is, of course, to encourage more people to watch cricket.

“We are delighted to be hosting the England team again at Bristol this summer and I am sure interest in the match against Sri Lanka will increase as a result of events in Australia.

“Spectators will also have had their appetites whetted for watching county cricket so all in all we have a lot to be grateful to England for as we all celebrate their wonderful achievement.”

Interest in the sport by a new generation of cricket fans is expected, with many youngsters hoping to emulate the quality of cricket displayed by the England team.

Former Gloucestershire player Damian Forder runs regular cricket courses for youngsters at the County Ground and is expecting many more to sign up for courses following the Ashes success.

He said: “It is great to see the success of England and I am sure it has inspired many youngsters to take up the sport. I hope to see many budding young Cooks or Andersons at my courses soon.”

Gloucestershire Cricket Board believes cricket clubs across Gloucestershire should anticipate a surge in membership in their youth sections, grasping this fantastic opportunity to boost their numbers and increase their teams.

Chairman of the Gloucestershire Youth League and Performance Development Group, Jim Donaldson, said: “I’m sure it will give a real boost to youngsters wanting to play cricket, both boys and girls.

“I’m sure it will have a real effect because the England team has played unbelievably good cricket.

“I just can’t believe that England have beaten Australia so convincingly.”

Tickets to see England versus Sri Lanka in the one-day international at the County Ground, Bristol next year are available online www.gloscricket.co.uk or by calling 0117 9108010.

If your child has caught the cricket bug call 0117 910800 or visit www.gloscricket.co.uk for information about cricket courses at GCCC.

Anyone who would like advice on joining a cricket club can ring Eric Woodmason on 0117 910 8006.