Bell inspired by home crowds as England visit Hampshire in T20 World Cup glory chase
David Charlesworth | June 16, 2026 8:36 AM CST
England's Lauren Bell believes the partisan home crowds at the Women's T20 World Cup will play a vital role in ending nine years without global silverware.
England, who have won every World Cup they have staged, began their campaign with a resounding 87-run win over Sri Lanka in front of 14,865 fans at Edgbaston on Friday night. Around 220,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament, a record.
Bell expects a groundswell of support similar to the thrilling drawn Women's Ashes three years ago. She is set for her first World Cup match at her home ground, the Utilita Bowl, where England will face Ireland on Tuesday night, aiming for two wins from two in Group B.
"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, 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."
Bell's Role as England's Dependable Quick
Since her debut in 2022, the 25-year-old has developed into England's dependable fast bowler following the retirements of Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Sciver-Brunt. England may name an unchanged XI, with Bell as the only specialist seamer, supplemented by all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is not yet cleared to bowl.
"I had a lot to learn from my debut to now, and I've done it on the international stage," Bell said. "I'm really happy with where I'm at and my role. I'm in it to take powerplay wickets and come back at the death. Having responsibility and a really clear role brings out the best in me."
Inspiring the Next Generation
Bell has been prominent in the World Cup build-up, including a photoshoot with British Vogue. She hopes the extra attention brings more young women and girls into cricket.
"I guess it is all part of the job now," she added. "It's another way of getting eyeballs on the game. 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."
England, who have won every World Cup they have staged, began their campaign with a resounding 87-run win over Sri Lanka in front of 14,865 fans at Edgbaston on Friday night. Around 220,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament, a record.
Bell expects a groundswell of support similar to the thrilling drawn Women's Ashes three years ago. She is set for her first World Cup match at her home ground, the Utilita Bowl, where England will face Ireland on Tuesday night, aiming for two wins from two in Group B.
"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, 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."
Bell's Role as England's Dependable Quick
Since her debut in 2022, the 25-year-old has developed into England's dependable fast bowler following the retirements of Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Sciver-Brunt. England may name an unchanged XI, with Bell as the only specialist seamer, supplemented by all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is not yet cleared to bowl.
"I had a lot to learn from my debut to now, and I've done it on the international stage," Bell said. "I'm really happy with where I'm at and my role. I'm in it to take powerplay wickets and come back at the death. Having responsibility and a really clear role brings out the best in me."
Inspiring the Next Generation
Bell has been prominent in the World Cup build-up, including a photoshoot with British Vogue. She hopes the extra attention brings more young women and girls into cricket.
"I guess it is all part of the job now," she added. "It's another way of getting eyeballs on the game. 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."
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