Women's cricket in England has a bright future, according to the head of the game's national governing body.

England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tim Lamb offered an upbeat assessment after travelling to Jersey to watch the triangular series between England, India and New Zealand.

"What is absolutely clear is that whereas women's cricket tended to be regarded as a little bit of a curiosity a few years ago, I think those sceptics are now realising that with an increasing standard of the game, the additional skills, the athleticism, and the general professionalism, women's cricket has been completely transformed.

"It is not only a much better quality sport, it's a better quality spectacle as well," Lamb told BBC Radio Jersey.

Interest in the game among girls has increased rapidly since the Women's Cricket Association merged with the ECB in 1998 with millions of pounds pumped in at grass roots level.

This resulted in the appointment of four regional development officers and initiatives such as Kwik Cricket and Inter Cricket that appeal to schoolgirls.

"It's very exciting to see what's happening on the development front both in the men's game and the women's game," said Lamb.

"I know from speaking to Clare Connor, the England Women's captain, that she was delighted to pass a school playground just down the road from where we are - a primary school game of cricket and there were more girls playing than boys."

It coincided with a downturn in the fortunes of the England Women's team who, after beating South Africa 3-2 two years ago, had to wait until last week's win over India in Jersey for a taste of success.

The arrival of Australian coach John Harmer last summer has, however, boosted confidence among the players.