As England took on - and beat - South Africa in the opening game of Cricket World Cup 2019 the Government chose to release figures showing an export market in "robust health".

According to the Department for International Trade (DIT) the business of British cricket equipment sector is now worth nearly £4.5 million a year in exports alone.

Exports of just cricket balls to the African nation apparently grew by nearly 35 per cent between 2008 and 2018.

It is a message backed up by Gloucestershire cricket bat manufacturer and sports shop owner Martin Berrill Sports, which will see some of its Gloucester-made equipment featuring in the Cricket World Cup.

"Cricket is on a bit of a high at the moment. It is a bit of a combination of things. England had a good season last year, there is the world cup and an Ashes series coming up as well," said Martin Berrill, who runs the Morelands Trading Estate-based business.

"Ladies cricket is where the growth is. The women's national side has also done very well, but that side of the game is growing fast."

Mr Berrill once worked for the famous Hunts County bats brand, but has a long-standing reputation making his own. Some of his bats will be used by international stars playing in this summer's world cup. 

"I am afraid I can't tell you who they are. The bats won't carry out name," he said.

His business also makes cricket balls and the business, one of the best-stocked specialist independent sports shops in the county, also sells equipment for netball, hockey and other racket and bat sports.

Those who buy their equipment from the store - and those who do not - can also make use of its indoor practice nets, complete with bowling machine.

And yes, the Hunts County bats are exported too.

On a broader scale cricket bats, balls, nets and sight screens made in the UK were exported in their thousands to cricket-loving nations around the world.

Sales of cricket balls to the Middle East grew 558.9 per cent in the decade to 2018, while sales of UK-made cricket balls to South Africa totalled £17,634 last year.

Exports of cricket equipment excluding balls to Asia and Oceania grew by a whopping 271.2 per cent in the 10 years to 2018.

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP said: "It's fantastic to see the success of English cricket off the pitch translating into economic benefits for the UK.

"British companies are making products which the world wants to buy, and for the first time the UK has an international economic department helping business succeed abroad in ways that never happened before.

I wish English cricket every success over the next 6 weeks - both on and off the pitch."