Lauren Bell Says a Clear New-Ball Role Brings Out Her Best for England

England pace bowler Lauren Bell says the responsibility of a clearly defined role is what gets the best out of her, as the hosts build on a strong start to the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Confidence after the opener

England beat Sri Lanka by 87 runs in their first game of the tournament in Birmingham. Bell struck early, removing Vishmi Gunaratne in her second over to set the tone for the performance.

A defined job

The 25-year-old Hampshire seamer has become England’s frontline new-ball option. She is asked to take wickets in the powerplay and return at the death. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, she said she is happy with where she stands and with how her role in the team is developing. She added that she enjoys bowling the first over of the match, trying to put the side in a good position, and then coming back near the end of the innings.

Form coming into the tournament

Bell reached the World Cup after impressing against New Zealand and India. In England’s recent three-match T20I series against India she was the leading wicket-taker, with seven wickets at an average of 14.71 and a strike rate of 10.28.

Her best moment came in the opening game of that series in Chelmsford, where she removed both Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma in her first over. England lost that match but went on to win the series 2-1.