Emerging English Seamer Reaps Rewards of Action Revamp on International Stage
In a triumph marked by tears, drama, and determination, England seamer Lauren Bell claimed her maiden international five-wicket haul, helping seal a 3-0 ODI series sweep against New Zealand. Speaking after her figures of 5 for 37 from nine overs, Bell opened up about the challenges of remodeling her bowling action while competing at the highest level.
“It’s been a tricky few months, so yeah, it was nice to come out of today with some real success, it was a great day,” the 23-year-old said.
Returning from England’s tour of New Zealand earlier this year, Bell was tasked with bowling more upright, leading to an emerging ability to swing the ball both ways – a revelation that has begun to bear fruit.
“I got back from the series in New Zealand and we just thought to push my career on, make me a better bowler, we’d changed a few things with my action,” Bell explained. “But obviously when you bowl a certain way for however long, it has been tricky. I don’t really have a training block, I’ve just been playing, but it’s definitely for the best in the long term and I guess today shows that it is going to push me forward.”
The tall seamer credited her England Women’s fast bowling coach Matt Mason for his unwavering support throughout the process, describing the journey as one filled with “tears, drama, and disagreements.” However, the breakthrough came from a focus on the mental aspect of the game, with Bell adopting a routine to help her concentration in pressure situations.
“The breakthrough, lightbulb we’ve had in the last couple of weeks has been a lot to do with the mental side of it and how I approach it in a game,” she said. “Training’s been great, but you get to a game and it’s a totally different story, so I’ve done a lot of work on my focus and my concentration.”
Despite the initial frustrations of the action overhaul, Bell has emerged stronger, with her five-wicket haul serving as a testament to her resilience and the long-term benefits of the change. As she continues to hone her skills, the young seamer is poised to solidify her position as a linchpin of England’s bowling attack.
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