LONDON — June 2025: England cricket stars Joe Root, Lauren Bell, and Mark Wood recently took to the streets, beach, and sports halls to play cricket in the most grassroots fashion—right alongside children—as part of the ECB’s new ‘My Way To Play’ campaign.
The initiative aims to inspire the next generation of players by celebrating informal cricket—from backyard games to beach showdowns and impromptu street matches. The goal: show that cricket can be played anywhere, anytime.
England players take on young stars at their game
Three young cricket enthusiasts—Ravi (12), Taylor (10), and Hassan (9)—challenged the seasoned professionals in a series of unconventional matches:
- Joe Root played street cricket with Hassan in Sheffield.
- Lauren Bell hit the sands for beach cricket with Taylor in Sussex.
- Mark Wood experienced visually impaired cricket with Ravi in Newcastle as part of the Lord’s Taverners Super 1s programme.
Each game highlighted the fun and accessibility of cricket outside the formal setting of stadiums.
Joe Root shared, “We used to put sticks in the driveway grate as stumps. That version of cricket is how so many of us started.”
Lauren Bell added, “Back-to-basics beach cricket reminded me how I fell in love with the game—just fun, energy, and friendship.”
Mark Wood praised Ravi’s skills, saying, “He blew me away. His passion and technique were inspiring. Cricket truly is for everyone.”
Challenging the barriers to play
In support of informal play, the ECB has joined London Sport’s ‘More Ball Games’ campaign, aimed at removing restrictive ‘No Ball Games’ signs that limit access to free play spaces for over 560,000 young people across London. Removing one sign can enable up to 80 kids to become more active.
ECB CEO Richard Gould said, “Cricket doesn’t begin with whites and wickets. It starts with chalk on a wall or a backpack as stumps. We’re committed to supporting all versions of the game.”
London Sport CEO Emily Robinson emphasized, “Space and freedom are all kids need to fall in love with cricket. This campaign is about unlocking that.”
Voices from the next generation
Hassan (9): “We play on the pavement with a wheelie bin for stumps. It’s all about fun!”
Taylor (10): “Beach cricket is freedom. It’s all about fun and laughter with friends.”
Ravi: “Being visually impaired hasn’t stopped me. I love Super 1s cricket and playing with others like me.”
Through the ‘My Way To Play’ campaign, the ECB hopes to show that cricket is for everyone—regardless of age, background, or ability—and that the game starts wherever there’s a bat, a ball, and imagination.
