Lauren Bell hopes England’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign can continue to inspire the next generation as they prepare to face Ireland in Southampton on Tuesday.
The seamer has been one of the tournament’s standout ambassadors, appearing in a Vogue photoshoot and on advertising boards in Piccadilly Circus. Bell’s profile has also grown following a successful Women’s Premier League campaign with Royal Challengers Bangalore, helping her Instagram following surpass two million.
Bell believes the increased visibility of women’s cricket is vital for inspiring young girls.
“It’s another way of getting eyeballs on the game and trying to inspire young girls and be those role models that maybe we didn’t have growing up,” she said. “I’m really passionate about encouraging them to take up cricket.”
England opened their home World Cup campaign with an 87-run victory over Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, powered by a century from Danni Wyatt-Hodge, while Ireland suffered defeat to Scotland.
Another strong crowd is expected at the Hampshire Bowl, and Bell is eager for England to build on the momentum.
“The support at Edgbaston was incredible,” she said. “It gives you extra nerves but also extra excitement and pushes you on. I’m confident we’ll experience that throughout the tournament.”
The 25-year-old relishes her responsibility with the ball, both at the start and end of innings.
“I love having a clear role within the team,” Bell added. “I enjoy taking the first over and trying to set the tone for us.”
Ireland will be looking to recover from their opening defeat and can draw confidence from beating England for the first time in a T20 international in September 2024, when Orla Prendergast starred with 80 from 51 balls.
Prendergast expects Ireland to focus on their own strengths rather than England’s form.
“It was a pretty good start for them,” she said. “But it’s about our players and our plans. We need to build partnerships with the bat. Our bowling plans were good against Scotland, so we don’t need major changes. We just need one or two players to get in and go big.”
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