Bell leads Brave to within a game of Hundred final

Lauren Bell picked up the best figures so far in this year’s The Hundred as the Southern Brave thrashed Trent Rockets and booked their place in the competition’s knockout stages.

Bell, who rose through the ranks at Berkshire, finished with figures of 4-10 to help the Brave secure a 10 wicket win last week.

The England international now has 10 wickets in the competition while the Brave have won five of their six matches.

“It’s been so good, the Brave have been amazing, it’s been a good start to our competition,” Bell said.

“The team is so, so close and everyone’s loving it, Charlotte Edwards is an unbelievable coach.

“Anya Shrubsole’s been a great captain and everyone’s really happy, one more game and hopefully we can get into the final.”

The Brave were beaten finalists last year, losing out to the Oval Invinclibles at Lord’s, but Bell is determined her side can go one better this time around.

“I think we’ve improved, we’ve signed some really strong overseas players,” Bell said.

“We’ve strengthened, but all the other squads have also strengthened.

“We’re confident, our goal is to win and I think we back ourselves to beat anyone on a good day.”

Bell has impressed in this year’s competition and is the second leading wicket-taker, four behind teammate Amanda-Jade Wellington.

Bell said: “I’ve really enjoyed the competition, especially the Trent Rockets game.

“Every time I go out there I just want to give a performance that helps the team and gets them across the line, it’s always a great feeling to do that.

“Confidence is a big thing for me and I’m feeling confident at the moment.”

As well as her traditional pace and swing, Bell has enjoyed success with the slower ball this year, memorably bowling Welsh Fire’s Nicola Carey with a delivery that was 20mph slower than her 70mph average.

“I’ve been practising the slower ball, I’ve bowled it for a few years but I think it’s improving,” Bell said.

“The time of year we’re playing and the wickets we’re playing on, it’s a really good option and I’ve bowled it a lot this competition.”

The Brave face Trent Rockets at the Ageas Bowl tomorrow in the eliminator with a place in the final against the Oval Invincibles on Saturday up for grabs.