Owzat! Expect the cry to echo around Centenary Square for the next five days as cricket mania hits the city centre.

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton, got Channel 4's Summer Tour under way by demonstrating her batting skills out on the crease yesterday. The tour has arrived in Bradford on the third leg of its four-date journey around the country.

The event is linked to the Third Ashes Test against Australia at Trent Bridge - which began today - with England 2-0 down and needing a win in the five test series.

And Bradford's public can roar on Yorkshire's speed demon bowler Darren Gough and the rest of the team as every delivery is being broadcast live on a giant screen in Centenary Square.

Other attractions at the five-day free extravaganza include a live performance by former Mercury Music Prize winner Talvin Singh who brings a variation of global beats and Asian dub to the stage. And on Saturday the movie Best in Show will be shown on the big screen.

And children will have the chance to hit former England cricketer Chris Lewis - pictured giving seven-year-old John Hayley some quick tuition - for six as he provides coaching on Centenary Square's temporary sand wicket.

The innovative Beach Cricket programme is part of Channel 4's three-year Inner City Cricket scheme.

Coun Eaton was bowled over by the twelve tonnes of sand that have been used to create the wicket. The area, measuring sixteen metres square, is to be used by the coaches to give tips to children during games of Kwik Cricket.

"It really is exciting that Centenary Square is being used in a way that makes people more happy and together as cricket is such a united sport," said Coun Eaton.

"With the cricket coaches coming to Bradford it is a real opportunity for children, enjoying their summer holidays, to see sport as a way to expound energy."

Coun Eaton also feels that the event will help Centenary Square maintain its position as one of the most popular spots in the city centre.

She said: "Not only is the chance to watch live cricket during the day or in lunch hours an attraction, but what Channel 4 have done to Centenary Square is very exciting.

"The atmosphere and appearance will help to create a relaxed holiday mood."

And Coun Eaton believes that Bradford's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008 can be kick-started by the event.

"It is a very important element of the event to show that Bradford has a broad range of different cultures and the live DJ set emphasises this as the music is popular to a different range of people," she said.

"As a city we should be flattered that Channel 4 has chosen us and I believe they have made a wise decision as we have the facilities to offer and it is good to see this being recognised."