Cricket: Sharp rise in cricket crowds.

Byline: BY RICHARD GIBSON Daily Post Correspondent

THE England and Wales Cricket Board have announced record attendances for the domestic game in 2008, with county cricket attracting an alltime high of 1.5million spectators.

That figure - inclusive of all domestic competitions - is up 23% on 2007, while the combined total for county and international matches is up 10% at 2,243,496.

Both the LV County Championship and the popular Twenty20 Cup were watched by over 500,000 spectators, while the Natwest Pro40 saw a rise of 4% year on year.

Only the the Friends Provident Trophy, with a 7% fall in numbers, fared worse than in 2007.

ECB chief executive David Collier said "We are delighted to see the county game continue to grow across England and Wales.

"Many counties have invested heavily in their facilities offering a vastly improved spectator experience which coupled with some thrilling cricket in 2008, ensures the fabric of our sport remains strong."

Meanwhile Lancashire's Jim Cumbes is to continue as chairman of the county clubs' chief executives. Cumbes was set to step down from the role at the end of last year - but after the Lancashire committee asked him to stay on in his chief executive post at Old Trafford beyond retirement age, he is to remain as national chairman too.