ENGLAND'S Lauren Bell is expecting the partisan home crowds at the Women’s T20 World Cup to play a vital role in efforts to end nine years without global silverware.
England, who have won every World Cup they have staged, started their campaign with a resounding 87-run win over Sri Lanka in front of an encouraging attendance of 14,865 at Edgbaston on Friday night.
Around 220,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament, an all-time record, and Bell expects England to have a similar groundswell of support to what they had during the thrilling drawn Women’s Ashes three years ago.
Bell is set for her first World Cup match at her home ground of the Utilita Bowl, where England will be looking to make it two wins from two in Group B when they take on minnows Ireland on Tuesday night.
“The crowd at Edgbaston on Friday night just summed it all up; they were so supportive, properly behind us,” Bell said.
“It gives you an extra boost, it gives you extra nerves but also extra excitement.
“We experienced it in the Ashes in 2023 and after Friday night, I’m pretty confident we’ll experience it over the next few weeks as well.”
England could name an unchanged XI, meaning Bell operates as the only specialist seamer supplemented by all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson, with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt not yet cleared for a bowling return.
Since making her debut in 2022, Bell has developed into England’s dependable quick following the retirements of Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Sciver-Brunt, a role the 25-year-old relishes.
“I had a lot to learn from my debut to now and I’ve done it on the international stage, it’s been incredible,” Bell said.
“You get challenged by the best in the world and that’s where you learn. I’m really happy with where I’m at and my role in this team.
"I’m in it to take powerplay wickets and come back at the death. It brings out the best in me, having responsibility and a really clear role.”
Bell has been prominent in the build-up to this World Cup and had a photoshoot with British Vogue, and she hopes the extra attention can bring more young women and girls into the cricketing fold.
“I guess it is all part of the job now,” she added. “It’s something that’s rapidly evolved over the last few years and it’s another way of getting eyeballs on the game.
“I think it’s really important. I do really enjoy it because growing up I didn’t have that female role model so I’m really passionate about having that for younger girls and inspiring them to take up cricket.”
