The hunt is on for Australia's best backyard cricketers and the spotlight is fixed on Ballarat this weekend.

Mt Clear Cricket Club is hosting a regional round of the Ford Backyard Series tomorrow with sports personality Billy Brownless and Channel 9 sizing up Ballarat's domestic talent for a segment on The

Cricket Show. Footage will also be beamed on the big screen at upcoming Australian test matches.

Taped-up tennis balls (for extra swing), rubbish bin wickets and typical backyard objects are being polished up to ensure a rustic feel in the competition.

Mt Clear firsts coach Paull Jeffrey was confident that deep in Ballarat's backyards hides Australia's next cricketing star.

"We're definitely hoping so," Jeffrey said.

"Play is open to anybody: club members, friends, families - including grandparents - and community teams.

"It's all about having fun and enjoying the game."

To prevent any domestic disputes, arguments with grandma or heated team rivalries, here are the all-important rules:

* six players per team, which must include two females;

* round robin competition playing three 10-over matches;

* one hand, one bounce;

* tip-and-run applies; and,

* no LBW and can't go out on the first ball.

Mt Clear has opted not to include the classic "six-and-out" ruling to encourage exciting batting and classic catches.

An honesty policy will be in force with all decisions made in consensus.

Play will be modified for wet weather because a Ballarat representative team must be found.

The winning team has the chance to progress to an all-expenses paid national final at the Gabba in February.

Interested cricketing enthusiasts can still sign up today by contacting Mt Clear on 0419 361 795. Entry fee is $50 per team.

Play gets underway at Mt Clear from 10am and spectators are welcome to pull up a folding chair, umbrella and picnic basket to scrutinise the action.