Fast bowler Lauren Bell is sure she can have a lasting effect in the forthcoming Ashes series after playing a crucial part in England’s historic Test victory over South Africa last month.
Bell’s Hopes for the Ashes Championship
Lauren Bell thinks the timing of her redesigned bowling action is perfect. She wants to use her speed and talent to destroy Australia’s top order as England prepares for the multi-format Ashes series. Join betpro login for amazing cricket updates.
Bell is now a key component in England’s strategy to break their ten-year Ashes drought. She contributes to a powerful pace attack alongside seasoned players like Kate Cross and Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Lauren Filer’s raw speed.
With 11 wickets between them, Bell and Filer played a key role in England’s convincing 286-run Test victory against South Africa last month. They are now keen to apply that same vigour to Australian circumstances.
Reimagined Confidence and Action
During England’s domestic 2024 summer, the tall right-arm fast bowler, who gained international recognition for her deadly inswinger, put much effort into changing her action.
She became aware that her prior action was restricting her ability to add outswing and extra pace to her bowling repertoire and generating back pain.
Ahead of the opening Ashes ODI in Sydney on Wednesday, Bell stated, “I feel in a really good place, and it’s nice, it gives me a bit of confidence, because I’ve had a tricky last 12 months.”
Bell’s confidence has increased due to the success of her modified action during England’s most recent series against South Africa.
“I’m confident that South Africa is moving in the right path. I have just started adding more strings to my bow. Bell remarked, “I had a big inswinger, but that was pretty much all I had.” “I will become a better player if I have various choices to utilise against different players and then understand which to use in various situations, pitches, and scenarios. Everything is going extremely well for me right now.”
The Powerful Pace Attack of England
There are other pace bowlers in England’s assault besides Bell and Filer. With the retirement of legends like Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Sciver-Brunt, England’s pace assault has seen substantial changes in the last two years.
The attack now appears strong with Kate Cross’s skill, Natalie Sciver-Brunt’s experience, and Bell and Filer’s height and speed.
Tammy Beaumont, the opener for England, said, “Our attack is looking really good.” “The skill of Kate Cross, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and then the height of (Bell and Filer).”
Lauren Filer, an outstanding England performer in recent months, was also commended by Beaumont for her speed and tenacity.
Filer’s entrance gave the pace attack a new dimension, and the squad greatly benefited from her ability to provide extra pace. “Lauren Filer particularly, she’s really ready to fire out here and find a bit more pace and bounce in the pitches,” Beaumont said.
Recover from the World Cup Setback
England, like Australia, had to accept a dismal October T20 World Cup campaign. After a devastating defeat to the West Indies, the team unexpectedly left early.
However, England responded spectacularly on their December multi-format tour of South Africa, winning the ODI series 2-1, sweeping the T20Is 3-0, and controlling the Test match.
Bell thinks England will keep playing the aggressive style of cricket that has become their signature since late 2022 under coach Jon Lewis.
Despite the defeat in the World Cup, the squad is still committed to playing an attractive and aggressive style of cricket.
“If anything, it’s just (reinforced) that we need to be even more brave and even more take the game on even more,” Bell stated.
The Schedule for the Ashes Series
The opening ODI of the Women’s Ashes series will be played at Sydney’s North Sydney Oval on January 12; Melbourne and Hobart will follow. The series will include ODIs, T20Is, and a Test match.
Schedule for the Women’s Ashes in 2025:
- First ODI: January 12, 10:30 AM AEDT, North Sydney Oval, Sydney
- Second ODI: January 14, 10:05 AM AEDT, CitiPower Centre, Melbourne
- Third ODI: 10:05 AM AEDT on January 17, Bellerive Oval, Hobart
- First T20I: January 20, 7:40 PM AEDT, SCG, Sydney
- Second Twenty20 International: January 23, Canberra, Manuka Oval, 7:40 p.m. The AEDT
- Third Twenty20 International: January 25, 7:10 PM ACDT (7:40 PM AEDT), Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Day-Night Test: 2:30 PM on January 30–February 2 at MCG, Melbourne The AEDT
Alyssa Healy (captain), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris+, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, and Georgia Wareham are the squads for the Ashes Series Australia Squad (ODI/T20Is).
Laura Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson+, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath+, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp+, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith+, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Heather Knight (c)* and the England squad (ODI/T20Is).
Only ODIs; only the Australia Test Squad (TBC) for T20Is
Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Heather Knight (c), and the rest of the England Test team Brunt, Nat, and Wyatt-Hodge, Danni
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Final Thoughts!
Lauren Bell and her England colleagues are prepared to face the challenge as the Ashes series approaches. England is confident going into the series thanks to their redesigned pace attack and aggressive, gutsy style of play.
Bell will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the multi-format Ashes series thanks to her efforts to improve her bowling action and increase self-assurance.
As England attempts to defeat Australia and snap their ten-year Ashes skid, fans will watch with bated breath.
The series promises competitive cricket and excitement for both fans and bettors. Remember to check your Betpro login for the most recent odds and updates as the Ashes progress if you’re watching the series closely.