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.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing