According to Cricket Australia’s 2017-18 National Cricket Census, a record breaking 1,558,821 Australians “actively engaged in cricket competitions or programs” last season.

Participation is up nine per cent from the previous summer season, with females making up six in every 10 new players, and 30 per cent of the game’s total player base.

British optical retail chain Specsavers is currently the official eyewear and eye care partner to Cricket Australia and the Australian cricket team, and the company is searching for local cricket club members and volunteers who are making a difference.

The company’s cricket ambassador and former Australian wicketkeeper, Ian Healy, said he is excited to see the “incredible people behind Aussie cricket being recognised”.

“Each and every player on the Australian cricket team started out playing community cricket, and it’s at the thousands of local cricket clubs around Australia where that love of the game began," he said. 

“Specsavers will reward one deserving Community Cricket Champion and their team with an invaluable training experience with cricketing great, Ian Healy and members of the Australian cricket team who will visit their local club to test their skills and hand-eye coordination,” a company spokesperson said.

Nominations from the Far South Coast Cricket Association for the Community Cricket Champion award can be made online before January 27.

Specsavers Bega retail partner Lisa Redfern said local cricket fans in the Bega Valley nominate “a deserving cricket champion for the experience”.

“We’re excited to offer cricket fans in Bega the opportunity, it would be fantastic if a club in our community was chosen so members can gain invaluable skills and knowledge in a sport they love, whilst making sure their eyesight is at its best,” she said.

“Being trained by a professional player who knows the game inside and out is a unique opportunity that the chosen team will be sure to benefit from.”