Domestic cricket matches in England attracted a record number of spectators during the 2008 season.

Figures from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) show that attendances at county games increased by 23 per cent on 2007 levels to 1.5 million, while the overall figures for domestic and international games in England were up by 10 per cent at more than 2.2 million. Liverpool Victoria County Championship matches saw crowd numbers exceed half a million for the first time in five years, with a 30 per cent increase on the previous year, while the Twenty20 Cup recorded a 25 per cent increase, with nearly 600,000 spectators in total.

The NatWest Pro40 competition, which is entering its last season in 2009, saw a 4 per cent increase in attendances, but the Friends Provident Trophy figures were down by 7 per cent. ECB chief executive, David Collier, said: "We are delighted to see the county game continue to grow across England and Wales. Many counties have invested heavily in their facilities offering a vastly improved spectator experience which coupled with some thrilling cricket in 2008, ensuring the fabric of our sport remains strong."