Lauren Bell is into the swing of things

Lauren Bell's Southern Vipers have stormed to two comprehensive wins over Thunder and Lightning in an impressive start to this year's Charlotte Edwards Cup.

Bell bowled with characteristic bite on her way to career best figures of 3-12, including the wicket of England opener Tammy Beaumont, as the Vipers beat Lightning on Wednesday night at the Ageas Bowl.

Prior to that, the Vipers started their campaign with a comfortable eight wicket win against Thunder at Hove.

Bell is delighted with her side's start to the season:

"It's a good start. We've been very good. We've got a strong team."

The Vipers made the semi-finals last season, but Bell believes they can go all the way this time around.

She said: "We definitely hope to go further and get to the final and hopefully win it, that's for sure."

It looks set to be another productive summer for Bell, who will be representing the Southern Brave in the Hundred in August.

In the competition's debut season, Bell took 12 wickets as the Brave reached the final.

It was about more than just cricket, though, as the televised matches provided Bell and her teammates the chance to "show how far women's cricket has come and how good it is."

Bell's form has led to calls for an England debut, but she remains level headed:

"It's about playing well, that's when things will happen. I won't put pressure on myself for it to happen instantly."

Bell spent the winter down under with England A and was then called up for the final Ashes Test and the World Cup as travelling reserve.

She picked up more than just a sun tan:

"It was amazing. It was much longer than I expected and it was definitely challenging, but it was so fun and I learned so much."

Veteran Anya Shrubsole, who was in Australia and New Zealand with Bell, made the switch to the Vipers for this season and captains the Brave.

Shrubsole announced her retirement from international cricket in April, and Bell is tipped as her successor.

For now, Bell is learning all she can from the experienced seamer:

"She's pretty much done everything that I'm going through. All the experiences I'm getting challenged with she's basically experienced. It's great to have someone to talk to."

It's an exciting time for Lauren Bell - thanks to her pace and bounce, she's well into the swing of things.