Lauren Bell relishes home T20 World Cup challenge
England fast bowler Lauren Bell opens up on home World Cup excitement, England’s bowling strength and thriving in aggressive battles.
Few bowlers have entered the build-up to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup with as much rhythm and confidence as Lauren Bell.
The England fast bowler has been one of the standout performers during the recent white-ball series against New Zealand, producing impactful opening spells and striking regularly inside the powerplay. Bell claimed five wickets in the two ODIs at an economy of 4.36, before following it up with three wickets in two T20Is while maintaining an economy of 5.62. She also stood out in the opening T20I of the three-game series against India, picking 3/34 including two wickets in her very first over.
Now, with England preparing to host the Women’s T20 World Cup beginning June 12, Bell admits the excitement around the squad continues to grow.
Lauren Bell strikes early for England | CWC25
Watch Lauren Bell taking the wicket of Rubya Haider as the batter skies one straight to Sophia Dunkley in the CWC25 match between England and Bangladesh.
“I think we’re extremely excited for sure. It’s maybe like a once in a career opportunity sort of thing. We can’t wait to get going and it’s some opportunity to be a part of,” Bell said while speaking to ICC.
England head into the tournament carrying expectations of success on home soil, but Bell believes the squad is in a strong position, especially with the variety available in their bowling attack.
“I think we're in an amazing place as a squad where we've got all bases covered in that terms and we've got four outstanding world-class spinners and I think that's an amazing place to be.
“It will obviously be like, we can turn up to grounds and can pick our best team depending on conditions and what we think is right for match-ups of that game. We're in an amazing place and all four of them are world-class and I'm glad that they're part of my bowling attack.”
Best of Nat Sciver-Brunt | Women's T20WC 2023
All-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt starred for England at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023
Bell also highlighted the influence of captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who England hope will return fully fit ahead of the tournament.
“I think it’s hard to look past our captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, I think she’s obviously one of the best all-rounders in the world and having her on the team sheet lifts us as a squad. When she’s back fit, I think she’ll make a massive impact this World Cup.”
Bell’s own role could prove equally important. The tall right-armer has consistently troubled batters with significant swing and steep bounce, something she says fuels her competitiveness in modern T20 cricket.
“I think batters want to come from the first over, which actually fills me with excitement. I think I like to get in the battle and I like to think I enjoy it. It's obviously more challenging and the amount of shots and where you get hit now has just changed massively.
“I find it exciting and I'm obviously in the team to take wickets and when a batter's coming at me, I feel like I'm in the game for that. I find it exciting but yeah, it's definitely, they're looking to take you on from ball one. I just see it as an exciting opportunity,” she added.
England open their campaign against Sri Lanka in Birmingham as they chase a first Women’s T20 World Cup title since 2009.