Time has flown for England seamer Lauren Bell, who finds herself unexpectedly leading the national team's pace attack at just 25 years old.
Bell's rapid ascent began with a breakout performance in the inaugural season of The Hundred in 2021, followed by her England debut the next year. Since then, she has participated in three World Cups and two Ashes series, while also becoming a £140,000 signing in The Hundred and winning the Women's Premier League with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Her Instagram following has skyrocketed to 2.2 million—more than Joe Root and Harry Brook combined—and she has gradually evolved into a senior figure within the England squad. This role was previously held by legendary seamers Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Brunt, and more recently by Kate Cross.
"I hadn't really comprehended the fact that maybe I was," Bell admitted in an interview. "With Crossy leaving, Katherine and Anya, slowly I just filled into that spot and I guess now I am. It does feel crazy. I don't know where the time has gone or how this has happened. It is exciting and cool and a job that I really love."
Bell's promotion was hastened when England dropped seamer Cross last summer, leaving her as the most experienced member of a young pace group that includes Issy Wong, Lauren Filer, and all-rounders Danielle Gibson, Em Arlott, and Freya Kemp.
"I played a lot with Crossy," Bell reflected. "She was like a big sister when I came to England and took me under her wing. I would still go to her with anything if I was struggling."
Since Christmas, Bell has embraced her senior role despite England's lack of competitive matches following their semi-final exit in the 50-over World Cup in India last October. Instead, coach Charlotte Edwards took a 30-player squad to South Africa, blending established internationals with promising youngsters for a five-match series that marked the beginning of preparations for this summer's T20 World Cup on home soil.
Edwards later described the quality of play as comparable to full international matches.
"It was a really exciting camp," Bell said. "We had a meeting and plan at the start and Lot [Edwards] said we want it to be as competitive as it can possibly be. Playing against your team-mates and friends, you do have that extra bit of competitiveness and it is really hard because they know exactly what you are thinking."
England's players will participate in additional T20 camps in the coming weeks, alongside fitness testing introduced by Edwards after she took charge last year—a topic that sparked debate following criticism during the Ashes but has since seen significant improvement.
Bell, whose Hampshire side plays in domestic competitions, continues to balance her growing responsibilities with her development as England's new pace leader.