England's Lauren Bell has officially taken the reins of the women's pace attack, a position previously held by stars like Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Brunt. The 25-year-old, a £140,000 signing in The Hundred and a Royal Challengers Bengaluru winner, has seen her Instagram following soar to 2.2 million - more than Joe Root and Harry Brook combined. Bell, who admits 'I don't know how this has happened', describes the role as 'exciting and cool' and a job she 'really loves'.

Her ascension was accelerated by England dropping veteran seamer Issy Wong last summer, leaving Bell as the most experienced bowler in a group including Issy Wong and Lauren Filer. Bell credits former leader Kate Cross for mentoring her, stating Cross 'took me under her wing' when she first joined the England setup.