England’s Rising Pace Sensation Prioritizes International Cricket
England’s rising pace sensation Lauren Bell is determined to cement her place in the international cricket arena and propel the team’s bowling attack forward. Since making her England debut in 2022, the 23-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable rise, earning a World Cup call-up, securing a lucrative Women’s Premier League (WPL) deal with UP Warriorz, and starring in last year’s Ashes campaign.
However, Bell’s growing responsibilities have required her to make crucial decisions. In a move mirroring her captain Heather Knight, the young bowler has opted to withdraw from the WPL to focus on the upcoming New Zealand and Pakistan series, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Bell plans to prioritize the international scene, recognizing its pivotal role in helping England’s seam attack thrive in a World Cup year.
“I feel really fortunate that I have so much cricket on offer to me, but it’s just unrealistic to be able to play all of it, so it’s about working out what my priorities are throughout the year,” Bell said. “My priority is international cricket, and I love leading this bowling attack. We have so many seamers coming through, and I want to keep driving it forward.”
With the Bangladesh World Cup scheduled for October, also live on Sky Sports, England are using their multi-format white-ball series against Pakistan to prepare. Bell believes she has not missed out on valuable experience, as the players who participated in the WPL got to face the best in the world and adapt to the sub-continent conditions.
“For someone like me, I’ve got more international T20 experience. I played against New Zealand, who have some world-class players too,” Bell explained. “I think there’s positive sides to both things. We had a series in India before Christmas, and I went to the WPL the year before, so I feel like I’ve have some sub-continent conditions as well.”
England’s opening T20I against Pakistan saw them reduced to 11-4 in the powerplay by the host’s spinners. However, the visitors weathered the storm, maintaining an aggressive approach in both batting and bowling, a message reiterated by head coach Jon Lewis. Bell took confidence from the team’s ability to overcome the early setback and secure a comfortable 53-run victory.
“Our approach will never change, and neither will the messaging,” Bell added. “We wanted to take the game forward and take the game on. That’s always Jon’s message, and I don’t think he’ll move away from that.”
With the backing of her captain and coach, Bell is embracing the added responsibility and is determined to push her game to new heights, both in the backyard, on the beach, or in the club cricket arena.
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