Aussie stars head back to school

Australian cricket stars returned to school grounds across the country this week to revisit the origins of their careers and inspire the next generation of stars as part of Cricket Australia's MILO in2CRICKET Back-to-School Day.

Male and female Cricket Australia and state contracted players joined students at select schools in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania to participate in MILO in2CRICKET school clinics and undertake Cricket Australia's Ashes-themed curriculum program, Ashes Challenge.

In total, 25 male and 16 female cricketers will visit schools across the country.

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson reflected on his schoolyard days during his visit to St Patrick's Primary School in Parramatta.

"Involvement in cricket at school was fundamental in my junior days,"

Watson said.

"Australian schoolyards and ovals are where the next Michael Clarke or Ellyse Perry is going to come from so it's important for us as players to get out there and encourage kids to play cricket," Haddin said.

"Modified school cricket carnivals such as the MILO in2CRICKET Cup Gala Day are great opportunities for school children to play cricket, make new friends and, most importantly, have fun."

Cricket Australia's entry-level MILO in2CRICKET program for children aged five to 12 builds the foundation for children to begin the pathway to the national team.