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Victorious Stars welcomed home

Clarke sends message of congratulations to Stars

The ICC World T20-winning Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars are back in Australia, and have been welcomed home with a reception at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Recently sworn in Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, paid tribute to the Southern Stars after they made history with a third consecutive WT20 title.

Cosgrove, a self-proclaimed “sporting tragic”, said that not only was he filled with pride after Australia’s tournament win but he thought it was safe to speak on behalf of 23 million other Australians.

Federal Member for Wentworth, Malcolm Turnbull, said it is “always satisfactory” for an Australian sporting team to beat “the Poms” in reference to the Stars’ opponent in the decider.

Quick Single: Stars beat England in World T20 final

The team’s major sponsor, the Commonwealth Bank, also announced it had arranged for the Sydney Observatory to name a star – a real one – after the players.

Coach Cathryn Fitzpatrick paid tribute to her players, saying the victory seemed to “be scripted” for a group that performs well both on and off the field.

Meanwhile, allrounder Ellyse Perry – who hit the winning runs in the final against England – suggested the ICC Team of the Tournament could have included more Southern Stars players.

Quick Single: Coyte unlucky to miss ICC's best

Only skipper Meg Lanning and Perry were named in the team although Player of the Final, Sarah Coyte, could consider herself unlucky.

With nine wickets (third overall in the tournament) at an average of 11.22 and a miserly economy rate of 4.80, Coyte certainly made a strong case for inclusion.

The Reception in Tweets