Cricket Australia’s latest census figures reveal a spike in the number of women players, up almost 27 per cent this year.

The total participants in the national sport reached 880,291 in 2011-12, with females number 150,178 or 17 per cent of the overall total.

Participation grew in each of the major categories except club cricket, which recorded a 3.5 per cent decrease.

That category total is 313,536 people across 570 associations and 3,820.

“The figures show Australian cricket is striding towards its goal to be Australia’s favourite sport but it’s vital we continue to evolve and recognise the diverse needs of Australia’s population,” CA boss James Sutherland said in a statement released on Friday.

“To attract the next generation of players and fans we must offer traditional and modified versions of cricket to make it a sport for all Australians.”

Drawing on the popularity of T20, CA will launch the MILO T20 Blast junior participation program, for boys and girls aged 8-12 years.

It will act as a bridge between the entry level MILO in2CRICKET program and club cricket.