Bell fetches big bucks at IPL auction as bowler set for UP Warriorz spell

Former Berkshire and Hungerford fast bowler Lauren Bell was sold for £30,000 in the first ever Women's Indian Premier League auction.

Bell will join England teammate Sophie Ecclestone, who was bought for £180,000, and head coach Jon Lewis at Lucknow franchise Up Warriorz ahead of the inaugural women's competition.

Bell was a late acquisition for the franchise, who also snapped up all-rounder Deepti Sharma, the second-most expensive Indian player, and legendary Australian Alyssa Healy.

Bell is currently out in South Africa, where she's featured in both of England's opening wins in the T20 World Cup, picking up a wicket in Monday's four-wicket triumph over Ireland.

Bell will go head-to-head with Sharma when England take on India on Saturday.