McGrath Foundation goes into bat online

In an Australian first, the McGrath Foundation has taken a 21st-century approach to fundraising and launched an online cricket game.

The breast cancer charity says it's combining games and raising money on a scale not seen in Australia.

Through the launch of its McGrath Foundation Digital Cup, it hopes to attract new donors and re-engage with existing ones.

"We see that 92 per cent of homes has some form of gaming device, so they're clearly deriving pleasure from involving themselves with games and escapism, and why not do that for a cause?" McGrath Foundation chief executive Petra Buchanan said.

Participants sign up as either a player or coach on their desktop, smartphone or tablet, and have a chance to bat, bowl and field.

Coaches are required to stump up a $30 donation, while teammates donate $10.

The money goes towards placing McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia.

Ms Buchanan said the game, developed by Proactive Games, was a result of a serendipitous encounter.

"I was at an event and I was sat next to a gaming expert, so I started to talk to him about this," she said.

* To sign up, visit mfdigitalcup.com.au between January 20 and February 13 for unlimited pre-match practice before the tournament on February 14-28.