The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader, the Hon. Bill Shorten along with members of Australian parliament today congratulated the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars for securing the Women's Ashes at an official reception in Parliament House, Canberra.
Speaking on the day, Cricket Australia Chairman Wally Edwards congratulated the squad on their efforts and looked forward as they continue to inspire females around Australia to play Cricket.
"We are incredibly proud of the team's performance and they should be applauded for their efforts throughout the series.
"Without doubt, the squad are great role models for female athletes across the nation and are doing a fine job inspiring more girls to pick up a bat and ball," continued Mr Edwards.
"Females now make up a quarter of the 1.2 million Australians that play the game. We have come a long way, but there's still plenty more to be done if cricket is truly a sport for all Australians.
"Initiatives such as the Australian Sports Commission's Sporting Schools program play a vital role in promoting active, healthy lifestyles amongst children of both genders, and encourage more to play the game. That support is critical and we are certainly grateful to both sides of politics for the bipartisan support of cricket as Australia's favourite sport."
Stuart Tucker, General Manager Brand and Sponsorship, Commonwealth Bank also congratulated the squad on their performance.
"Congratulations to the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars on their incredible Women's Ashes success. We are proud to be long-time supporters of an exciting and dynamic team of professionals, who are also great role models for young Australian women.
"The team has gone from strength to strength and we look forward to continuing to be part of their future success," said Mr Tucker.
Meg Lanning, Captain of the Southern Stars said that she was looking forward to the summer ahead in Australia.
"We have a big summer coming up with the launch of the inaugural Women's Big Bash League as well as India visiting our shores. We're hoping to see even more fans than ever before come out and show their support.
"On behalf of the squad, we'd like to express a huge thanks to the Australian Government and of course our fans who supported us in England and we're looking forward to continuing that success in front of them here in Australia.
Women's cricket continues to rise in Australia. The number of females playing the game increased by 18 per cent last year to 290,000 meaning almost a quarter of all Australians that play cricket are female.
For more information about the Women's Big Bash League or the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars' summer fixtures visit www.cricket.com.au<http://www.cricket.com.au>.
