They may think it's a hoax at first but some Warwickshire supporters can expect a call from their cricketing heroes over the coming weeks.

In an inventive attempt to boost the club's membership, Warwickshire's players are phoning lapsed members in an effort to entice them back into the fold.

Nearly all the best-known names are involved. Heath Streak, Nick Knight, Ashley Giles and Dougie Brown will all take their turn at the phones alongside the club's office staff in an aim to entice wavering supporters to join up for another year.

They hope to reach more than 2,500 former members and persuade many of them that the 2006 season is not to be missed. Certainly with a new coach, captain and overseas spinner on board, hopes are realistically high that it should be an entertaining and successful year.

Membership figures are slightly below the levels of this time last year. Perhaps that's inevitable, with some having joined in 2005 just to purchase discounted tickets for the Ashes, and others rebelling against International Cricket Council bans on members bringing alcohol to international matches.

There is little that the club can do about either issue, though they may request an exemption from a silly ICC ruling next year. At present, Warwickshire are taking their lead from the MCC on the issue and will wait to see how their case develops.

The club's motives for the latest initiative are not merely financial. There can be little doubt that any team benefits from the backing of its fans.

The bond between players and supporters is strong at Edgbaston and every Warwick-shire player readily agreed to take part.

The exercise is not only about recruiting members, either. Stuart Robertson, the head of marketing, said: "This opportunity gives us a chance to gather some crucial customer feedback and will highlight areas that we do well in and areas we may need to improve."

Brown added: "I hope people will recognise who I am and that I will speak to a few familiar voices. We really appreciate the support of the membership home and away so it is vital that we all muck in."

Full adult membership costs £118, with seniors (over 63) paying £95 and Junior Bears (under-16) £20. Call 0870 0621902 for details.