For whom Bell bowls as Lauren in Lucknow after seamer stars in South Africa

Former Hungerford and Berkshire fast bowler Lauren Bell is making a name for herself across the globe.

The 22-year-old seamer has spent the last month in Lucknow where she’s helped her franchise UP Warriorz to the knockout stages of the inaugural Women’s Indian Premier League.

Bell flew straight to India from South Africa, where she was an integral part of the England team that reached the last four of the T20 World Cup before losing to the hosts in a dramatic semi-final.

The pace bowler hasn’t been home since the middle of January but has had the chance to learn from some of the world’s best in India while making a name for herself on the international stage – and for Bell, it’s also been a chance to continue to grow the women’s game.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but a good one,” she said.

“South Africa was fantastic although we were so disappointed to lose in the semi-final because we really thought we had a great chance to win the entire tournament.

“When I flew out there I didn’t know if I was going to be in the IPL or not, I wasn’t even sure how much to pack.

“To have the chance to come to India, to experience a new culture and to learn from some amazing players has been incredible.

“I think the support we had in South Africa was pretty special and the fact that there’s a women’s IPL shows how far the game has come, it’s been great to play in front of cricket mad fans.”

Bell has been rubbing shoulders with stars like India’s Deepti Sharma and Australia’s Alyssa Healy in the Warriorz squad but has also been able to draw on some home comforts in the form of England teammate Sophie Ecclestone and head coach Jon Lewis.

The bowler was picked up late on in the auction while England were taking on Ireland and it wasn’t until Bell returned to the changing room that she found out she’d be teaming up with Ecclestone and Lewis in Uttar Pradesh.

She said: “I get a bit of stick from the England girls for being the teacher’s pet because Lewy (Jon Lewis) and I get on so well but it’s been brilliant to have him and Sophie out in India too.

“We knew we’d be playing when the auction was taking place so I was trying not to think about it.

“I handed my phone in and focused on the Ireland game and didn’t find out until Jonathan Finch told me, it was all a bit surreal.”

Bell returned to England on Monday and is looking forward to a home Ashes series as well as a return to domestic cricket with the Southern Vipers and Southern Brave.

“It's been the best experience and so this might sound crazy but we've been out for dinner every evening for the last three months and to be honest I'm missing Mum's roasts,” she said.

“We're excited to be back and we’re hoping we can make it a summer to remember.”