England fast bowler Lauren Bell has discussed her role on the team as they prepare to face Ireland in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. England enters this match after a strong 87-run win against Sri Lanka in their first game of the tournament in Birmingham.
Bell has established herself as a key bowler for her team, particularly in taking early wickets during the powerplay. The player from Hampshire expressed her enjoyment of her responsibilities, noting that they enhance her performance.
The 25-year-old claimed a wicket in just her second over against Sri Lanka, bowling out Vishmi Gunaratne.
“I feel really happy with where I am and my role in this team. I’m here to take powerplay wickets and come back at the death. Having a clear role brings out the best in me,” Lauren Bell stated in the pre-match press conference.
“I love taking the first over of the game and aiming to kick things off well. Coming back at the end with responsibilities also helps me perform at my best,” she added.
Bell is entering the T20 World Cup following good performances in recent series against New Zealand and India. She was the leading wicket-taker for England in the three-match T20I series against India, claiming seven wickets at a strike rate of 10.28 and averaging 14.71.
Her standout performance came in the opening match of the series in Chelmsford, where she took down both Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma in her first over. Although England lost that match, they went on to win the series 2-1.