WESTERN Storm captain Heather Knight has welcomed the decision taken by the England and Wales Cricket Board to expand the Women's Super League in 2018.

Now in it's second season, the first professional domestic women's cricket tournament in England comprises six teams, who each play five group games before finals day.

In an exciting development, it has been announced that teams will play 10 group games from next season, facing each other home and away.

Knight, whose self-styled 'Stormtroopers' finished runners-up in 2016, believes an expanded tournament can only benefit the development of women's cricket in this country.

She said: "Playing everyone home and away is a natural next step and it's definitely an exciting development.

"The competition already feels bigger and better this year in terms of media coverage and people coming through the games to watch Super League. I can only see it going one way really.

"There are thousands of young girls wanting to play the game and we have a responsibility to play well and keep improving. That way the game will continue to grow and there will be even more opportunities in future."

Restricted to just two home games this season - Storm defeated Loughborough Lightning at Taunton and are scheduled to play Lancashire Thunder at Bristol on August 26 - Knight is looking forward to playing in the West Country more often from next year.

She added: "We all love playing at Taunton and Bristol and it's great news that there will be more home games next year.

"The England girls will tell you the same, because we got great support at those two venues during the World Cup. I'm not sure how it will break down and how many games we will end up playing at Bristol or at Taunton, but it is definitely a step in the right direction as far as we're concerned."

Unable to expand the Super League this summer owing to the World Cup being staged in England during June and July, the ECB announced their plans following the promise of continued backing from Sky Sports.

Knight believes a bigger and better Super League tournament will serve to further promote the women's game, which is receiving unprecedented media coverage in the wake of England's thrilling World Cup final victory over India at Lord's in July.

"Lifting the Trophy at a sold-out Lord's was amazing and it's important we maintain that momentum," reasoned the England captain. "Women's cricket is in the spotlight and, hopefully, an improved domestic tournament will help it stay there in the future.

"Sky's backing means more people can see the games and the product becomes more visible. It also brings in more sponsorship which, in turn, will help take the game to the next level."