The England women's cricket team completed a historic victory in the final of the ICC World Twenty20 tournament earlier this week.

Playing against New Zealand, England galloped to victory by six wickets at Lords cricket ground.

It has been a long time since English cricket has been able to boast a champion team that has continually outshone all competition and the women have more than fulfilled this status; the World Twenty20 trophy will sit in a jam-packed trophy cabinet next to both the World Cup and the Ashes.

The only thing missing seems to be acceptance from the public, but this tournament has provided a welcome exposure for the women's game. The way this competition has been played so close to the men's has resulted in a higher profile for the women's game and more media exposure. And the matches have provided some thrilling viewing, in particular, the semi-final between England and Australia at the Brit Oval was a gripping match, showcasing high skill levels, power and drama.

The Prime Minister said the team will go down in history as England's best ever: "I want to send my congratulations to captain Charlotte Edwards and the whole England women's cricket team for a famous victory in the ICC World Twenty20 final at Lord's," he said.

"I know that the whole country will want to join me in recognising and celebrating a remarkable achievement."

Ben Bradshaw MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, told a terrace reception held in the team's honour: "This is a terrific achievement for Charlotte Edwards and the team and they deserve huge praise for adding another trophy after their 50-over success in Australia in the spring.

"How many other teams can claim to have won two World Cups in the space of three months?

"On home soil, this should be a big boost for the women's game and women's sport as a whole. We share the ECB's determination to build on this to get more women and girls playing cricket."

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