Career best figures for Lauren Bell, as England Women demolish New Zealand in Bristol
Lauren Bell took career best figures, as England completed a 3-0 series win over New Zealand in Bristol.
Going 5-37 from her nine overs, Bell took the crucial wickets of Amelia Kerr, who scored a half century, and captain Sophie Devine (43), lbw and bowled respectively.
Bell went on to dismiss the dangerous Brooke Halliday in the middle order, ending her innings on 31.
Two more lower order wickets followed, both bowled by Bell and caught by England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt.
The visitors would finish 211-8 after 42 overs, the game reduced due to wet weather.
Bell wasn’t required to bat, as England reached the target with 20 balls remaining and five wickets to spare, with the former Hungerford player sealing Player of the Match.
The star showing marks a return to form for Bell and a return to the England side altogether.
She was dropped for the second game of the series following disappointing figures in domestic cricket and a tough outing in the first ODI, going 0-28 at Chester-le-Street.
“It was fun! It was a really fun day!”, Bell told England’s social media channels.
“It’s been a bit of a journey hasn’t it!
“Getting the right length… It’s been a bit of a challenge.
“My favourite bit was when I got the fifth and everyone was so happy for me.”
On Tuesday, Bell also featured in the second game of a five-game T20 series between the sides.
Rain threatened throughout the evening in Hove, with England only able to bat nine overs before the covers came out, leaving them 89-6.
New Zealand had a good opportunity to seal the win, but England’s bowlers would limit their scoring.
Bell took the wicket of captain Devine once again, finishing with figures of 1-6 from her single over, on what was a chaotic night.
ENG Women won by 23 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method.