Requiring a two-thirds majority in favour of the resolution to dissolve the organisation, the members voted by 97-1, with 30 abstentions.

Barbara Daniels, executive director of the WCA and a current England player, said: ``I am delighted with the outcome. Women's cricket can now move in to a new era. The professional, financial and administrative benefits for women's cricket will be huge.''

Rachael Heyhoe Flint, the former England women's captain, commented: ``The merger is very beneficial for the development of the women's game, but in view of the ECB's recent public relations disaster in the Industrial Tribunal, it must now demonstrate to all the doubters within the women's game that they won't let them down and will give them the respect and consideration they merit.''

Tim Lamb, the ECB's chief executive, said: ``This is an important milestone in the history of cricket and puts women on an equal footing with men in the development of their game.''