Bell set for South Africa

Former Hungerford and Berkshire fast bowler Lauren Bell has been included in England's 15-strong squad for the T20 World Cup, which takes place next month in South Africa.

Bell, who became one of six new players to be awarded an England central contract in November, took nine wickets in England's recent 5-0 demolition of the West Indies in Antigua and Barbados, impressing new head coach Jon Lewis enough to earn a place in the squad.

England, who begin their campaign against the West Indies at Boland Park in Paarl on February 11, are in Group Two alongside India, West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland and are one of the favourites for the tournament. The top two teams from each group progress to the semi-finals.

Lewis' side will take on New Zealand in three warm-up matches prior to the competition.

Bell, who made her England debut last summer after impressing for her domestic sides, the Southern Brave and Southern Vipers, has been tipped to lead the England attack after opening the bowling alongside the more experienced Katherine Brunt and Kate Cross in the Caribbean.

"The West Indies was an important tour for me, I knew I hadn't played a lot of T20 cricket for England so I was really conscious of the need to impress," Bell said.

"We're all enjoying working with Jon (Lewis) and all the new ideas he's got, I think we're confident we can be successful in South Africa."