CRICKET clubs in south Essex are confident that England's success in the Ashes will have a knock-on effect for the game at grass roots level.
They have already seen increased interest from children who have been inspired as Michael Vaughan's team wrestled the famous trophy from Australia for the first time in 18 years.
And club chiefs hope the local game will benefit.
"Cricket is one of those sports that if you love it, you love it, but if you don't you hate it," said Southend CC first XI captain Ian Heiser. "But the Ashes has seen interest take off again and that is fantastic for English cricket."
And his Basildon & Pitsea opposite number Paul Ayres added: "Beckham and Rooney are nothing now, all the kids are looking up to Flintoff and Pietersen.
"I have had mates phone me up after we won who usually rib me about cricket but they have been gripped."
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