"I watched the closing overs on the sofa at home and will remember the joy of the crowd at Edgbaston and England getting to number one in such style for a long time to come. The whole nation can be proud of our team of world beaters."
David Cameron, the UK Prime Minister, leads the tributes
"We've had to earn the right to get on top. We've got more confident and they've [India] got less confident as the series has gone on. We've done some amazing things and hopefully there are more to come."
Andrew Strauss, after completing the demolition job
"You can only be number one by playing consistent cricket, and England have done really well."
MS Dhoni congratulates his opponents
"This achievement is just reward for the hard work from all the players and team management and they no doubt will celebrate being on top of the world."
Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, joins in the praise
"I might party tonight.... Why not?? Its a Saturday.. That's why there are Saturdays right??"
Kevin Pietersen won't be turning in early.
"England win No. 1 Test spot."
The BCCI says it matter-of-factly on its Twitter feed
"As a very famous man once said. Thats niiiiiccceee Pah. Boom. No. 1."
Tim Bresnan sums it up
"We set out to be number one two-and-a-half years ago and it looked ridiculous, to beat Australia home and away but this team works very hard. Coach Andy Flower pushes us to the hilt and I know him, he will keep doing so."
Graeme Swann on England's rise.
"It started years and years ago in 1999 or 2000 with central contracts. The ECB invested lots of money bringing players through all the age groups from age 15 upwards. Many people have done good things."
Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, heaps praise on England
"England have a better chance than anybody to stay at the top..they give Test match cricket more priority than anyone else."
Sanjay Manjrekar on why England deserve their place at the top
"England deserve to be number 1 team in the world - they have a hunger, passion and play with an intensity - nice to watch them play !"
Shane Warne tweets his tribute
"The important thing is that this is not just for six weeks or the next six months, it's got to be for the next six years. I believe they can go on and dominate for some time now. To win a game you have to take 20 wickets, and our bowling attack is capable of doing that in any conditions."
Alec Stewart says England can stay at the top