Campaign aims to shake image of cricket as private school game

But new research suggests that the next cricketing superstar is just as likely to come from a state school as a fee-paying one.

A survey of 413 professional cricketers playing in England and Wales has revealed that half (207) were taught in the state sector, while nearly three in 10 (119) went to a private school. The rest – 87 players – were educated abroad.

The make-up of the England team listed for the third Ashes Test against Australia, which began yesterday at Old Trafford, is different.

The figures, collected by the Chance to Shine charity which aims to bring cricket back to state schools, show half the 14-man squad – captain Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, James Taylor and Monty Panesar – went to private schools.

Five – Joe Root, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, James Anderson and Chris Tremlett – were taught at state schools. The other two – Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott – were educated abroad.

Charity chief executive Wasim Khan said: “We’re striving to bring the standard of cricket in state schools up, rather than bring independent schools down.

“Our aim, ultimately, is to give every child in every school the opportunity to play and learn through cricket.

“We’ve made great strides over the past eight years, with the support of organisations like ECB [the England and Wales Cricket board]and Sport England...

“The challenge now is to continue to raise significant funds so we can reach the remaining two-thirds of state schools.”