Aussies return to heroes' welcome in Melbourne as Perry aims for 90,000 at next World T20 final

GALLERY: Melbourne's Federation Square was packed with fans of all ages to welcome the squad back from Antigua, where victory over England on Sunday had seen them crowned world champions

Australia's women were given a rousing reception as they paraded the World T20 trophy on their return home from the Caribbean.

Melbourne's Federation Square was packed with fans of all ages to welcome the squad back from Antigua, where victory over England on Sunday had seen them crowned world champions.

Each player was introduced individually on stage to an audience several hundred strong, while the likes of Meg Lanning and Elyse Perry also spent time mingling with supporters, signing autographs and taking selfies.

Prominent politicians including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and cricketing figures such as Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting relayed congratulatory messages for the squad, while Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts was gushing in his praise of the Southern Stars.

"It was a privilege being in Antigua watching this team doing our country proud," he said. "You carry yourselves on the field with such dignity. You’re a fantastic credit to our nation."

Australia will itself host the next edition of the tournament, now rebranded by the ICC as the T20 World Cup, and Perry is targeting a bumper crowd for the final when she hopes her side can defend their title on home soil.

"We want 90,000 there," she said.

“This tournament has captured a lot of people’s attention and shown people we’re a team worth watching."

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