Action from the Kwik Cricket scheme in London

Initially 72 schools will join in 12 pilot projects in England and Wales, the hope being that by 2015 7,000 state schools will be involved.

Former Trade Union leader Bill Morris is leading a bid to raise �25m and it's hoped the government will match that.

"This is about what cricket can do for schoolchildren," King said.

Morris, now a member of the England and Wales Cricket Board, said: "We hope we can get funds for a 10-year strategy to revitalise grass roots English cricket.

"This is a project for schools but recognises cricket, with its special qualities, has a contribution to the make to the development of the young.

"We've got a lot of clubs out there, what we need are the facilities."

With lyricist Tim Rice, legendary batmaker Duncan Fearnley and commentator Mark Nicholas also involved, it is hoped to raise the necessary �25m over a five-year period.

Morris revealed that progress had already been made.

"We're off the mark, we've got about 25% of the money needed," he said.

"Now we're looking for sponsorship, commercial activity and donations large and small."

Despite the ever-increasing influence of American sports, and other alternative leisure activities, Morris is confident that cricket can have a place in schools and in the spare time of children.

"Children do want to play cricket, but there is a quality of distinction to be made" he said.