Pace ace Bell sets sights on England
Lauren returns from World Cup eager to force her way into side
LAUREN Bell has returned from Down Under more intent than ever on forcing her way into the England women’s cricket team.
The former Hungerford and Bradfield College fast bowler eventually returned after a three-and-ahalf month tour to Australia and New Zealand with the England set-up.
In fact, she had to wait an extra 10 days in New Zealand after testing positive for Covid on the day she was due to fly back.
Bell was originally selected for the England A tour to Australia, but was then called up as a reserve for the full team for the Ashes series and one-day World Cup in New Zealand.
The 21-year-old said: “Just being there was really cool – I was training, helping out on game days and being part of a team at a World Cup was amazing.
“When I left England it was for a short tour, but when I came back I had five days of ‘safe living’, then we went out on January 5 straight into bubble
living.
“We weren’t kept inside all the time, but we had to eat outside in restaurants, which is OK in New Zealand because everything is so stunning.
“We climbed a mountain, but weren’t allowed to do anything dangerous and hopefully I can go back there in the future.
“But it is nice to be back, eat indoors and live a bit more normally again.”
Bell’s chances of forcing her way into the England team were boosted by the retirement of Anya Shrubsole, who has enjoyed an illustrious international and domestic career.
Bell said: “Now Anya has retired there is a spot in the team, but there are a lot of good pace bowlers out there.
“I will be back playing with Southern Vipers and Southern Brave and that is my focus, but I will have an eye on the England team – it is exciting.”
The Loughborough University student is taking a few weeks off to recover from her winter exertions, but hopes to return for Vipers’ warm-up game against Western Storm at Taunton on May 9, with the Charlotte Edwards Trophy starting the following week.
Then in August, she will again line up for Southern Brave to take on the best players in the world in the popular 100-ball competition.
While Bell was travelling Down Under, she still had to keep up with her university studies.
She is in the final year of her degree in sociology and criminology and she said: “I had an extension on my dissertation, but I did some essays while I was there and I am hoping to graduate this term.”