The ECB have today announced that they will be doubling the financial rewards to England's women's cricketers.

Following a proposal recently approved by the ECB's management board, the players will receive tour fees and incentivised appearance fees for the first time.

"This is a significant step forward for women's sport in this country and a great boost for the England team as they prepare to defend the ICC Women's World Cup in 2013 and seek to regain the ICC World T20 title next year," said head of women's cricket Clare Connor.

"Our leading players have traditionally had to sacrifice a career to play international cricket as the sport demands an intensive commitment of up to 100 days a year playing and training.

"Today's decision will make it far easier for all our players to combine part-time work or study with their England commitments and will play an important role in helping ECB attract and retain more girls and women with cricketing talent."

The new regulations will start with the tour of South Africa later this month.