CLUB manager Jason Court is hoping Ealing Cricket Club can capitalise on an England Ashes victory after signing up to hold an open day to coincide with this summer’s big Test series.

Nothing quite grips the nation like an Ashes series and, with England aiming to keep the urn this summer, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) wants everyone to get in on the action.

By holding an open day, clubs can attract new members, players, spectators and sponsors on Investec Ashes Saturdays or Sundays of their choice.

Court revealed that Sunday, July 21, is to be Ealing’s designated Club Open Day, to coincide with the fourth day of the second Test at Lord’s.

“We will be trying to do something on each of the weekends of the series, but the Sunday of Lord’s will be our main one,” said 38-year-old Court, who has been club manager for three years.

Ealing will be inviting the local community to Crofton Road, to enjoy the cricket while showcasing facilities, cricket-playing opportunities and everything else they have to offer. Guests will be able to keep an eye on the cricket in the middle and on the TV.

Clubs who already have a Sky Sports subscription and which host an open day, will get £140 from the ECB towards their monthly subscription, while those new to Sky will be offered an exclusive subscription offer, featuring a six-month break clause.

Court is hoping the scheme can help Ealing’s productive on-field action carry over away from the square.

“We are hoping to have a bouncy castle, face painting and a barbecue, while our coaches will be in the nets,” he revealed.

“It will coincide with a match with the Middlesex Cricket Board Development XI, whose team has to feature eight under-21s.

“It would be nice to attract some new people. We have an awful lot of kids but we struggle for adult members - and also girls - so we would love some of them to come down and take an interest.”

To sign up your club for an open day and for more information on the benefits and support, visit www.ecb.co.uk/clubopendays. A full list of clubs taking part will be put on the ECB website in July.