A TINY Moorabool town is poised to play a part in Cricket Australia’s promotional campaign this summer.
The multimillion-dollar sports body is keeping a close eye on Elaine — population 325 — after a group of local children inspired the adults to strap on the pads.
While 2011 census data reveals there are only 66 children aged under 14 in Elaine, there’s been enough bat-and-ball talent to help motivate their elders to get back on the pitch. The town’s cricket club folded 12 years ago.
Elaine Cricket Club vice-president Shane Dunn said a cricketing renaissance began last year when 35 youngsters signed up for the Milo In2Cricket program.
‘‘That set everything going,’’ Dunn said.
‘‘They got a little taste of cricket and now they want to play junior cricket and it’s inspired the older blokes to put on the whites again.’’
Damien de Bohun, Cricket Australia’s executive general manager of game development, said it was ‘‘extremely likely’’ Elaine’s story would be used during major cricket broadcasts to promote the junior versions of the game.
‘‘There’s every chance we’ll be integrating this story into our broadcasts [on Channel Nine and Fox Sports]. It’s something somebody like Mark Taylor (cricket commentator and Cricket Australia board member) would be very interested in,’’ he said.
‘‘There’s also a possibility some of the kids could be part of lunchtime entertainment on The Cricket Show.
‘‘Elaine’s story is a fantastic one. At Cricket Australia we’re all about promoting best practice, and Elaine’s story fits that to a tee.’’
With little more than 12 men to pick from, Elaine Cricket Club’s senior team is poised to contest the bottom grade of the Ballarat Cricket Association this year. The club will also field an under-14 side.
With a growing player base and plenty of enthusiasm, the only thing lacking is equipment. But the BCA has stepped in to help.
‘‘We’ve got nothing, no equipment at all, but the BCA has promised to do a whip-round for us, which is great,’’ Dunn said.
Cricket Victoria’s Campbell Waring said the children of Elaine had inspired the town.
‘‘The club wouldn’t have re-formed if it wasn’t for the kids,’’ he said.
‘‘To attract 35 children to Milo Cricket in a small regional town is extraordinary.’’
Meanwhile, Elaine Tennis Club has missed out on a major club award, less than two years after it reformed. It had been nominated for the most outstanding club, centre or school gong at the Tennis Victoria awards.
Cricket Victoria will run a junior training session in early August for under-14 boys and girls. Details: 0448 291 074
