Batting for Change is calling on Australian families and cricket fans to play a game of backyard cricket and raise much-needed funds to support education projects in Australia and in cricket-playing nations overseas. The fun and games are all part of National Backyard Cricket Day, launching on Sunday 31 January 2021.   

Ted Alexander, Chair of Batting for Change, said the initiative will help not just Australia, but other cricket-playing countries around the world.   

“The pandemic and subsequent recession have had a severe impact on rural areas in Australia as well as the communities we support in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa, Tanzania, Indonesia and Afghanistan. We’re proud to have been able to help people in these cricket-playing countries complete their tertiary education, and we are incredibly grateful for the ongoing community support which allows us to continue to do this,” Alexander said.  

“National Backyard Cricket day is an opportunity for the community to come together and create fun memories after what’s been an extremely challenging 12 months, while supporting an important cause at the same time,” he said.  

The inaugural event is backed by cricketing royalties Justin Langer, Alex Blackwell, Ryan Carters, Russel Arnold, Alyssa Healy, Ed Cowan and Michael Holding as official campaign ambassadors.   

“I’m a huge supporter of Batting for Change. We’ve all got amazing memories of playing backyard cricket, so the 31st of January is a great opportunity to get all your family and friends together and raise some important funds for some unbelievable initiatives,” Langer said.  

David Vaux, Chair of The LBW Trust said “The funds raised from National Backyard Cricket will be split equally between much needed grants for community libraries across Australia and the LBW Trust’s overseas education programs.”   

Batting for Change is a fundraising arm of the LBW Trust. 

The Governor General, David Hurley, will be hosting a game of backyard cricket at Government House in Canberra on February 4, where Batting for Change will announce total funds raised. Triple M will be also hosting a marquee game in early February, featuring media and Australian cricket personalities. 

Event registrations now open   

While gathering in large numbers can be challenging due to current COVID-19 restrictions, Batting for Change encourages smaller groups of immediate family, friends, workmates and more to gather outdoors and enjoy a fun afternoon of cricket together. While the official launch date is January 31, anyone can arrange a game any time during the month of January and it will still be considered part of National Backyard Cricket Day.