New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) England fast bowler Lauren Bell has acknowledged that she is still adjusting to her role as the leader of the team’s fast-bowling department, stating she "hadn't really comprehended" the significance of stepping into a position previously held by some of the nation's legendary seam bowlers.

At only 25 years old, Bell has become the driving force behind England’s pace attack following the departures of veterans like Anya Shrubsole and Katherine Brunt, along with the recent unavailability of Kate Cross. Her journey began with a breakthrough performance in the inaugural season of The Hundred in 2021, which was followed by her international debut the following year and participation in numerous global tournaments since then.

Reflecting on her unexpected rise, Bell admitted that she had not anticipated stepping into such a senior role within the squad. "I hadn't really comprehended the fact that maybe I was. With Crossy leaving, along with Katherine and Anya, I gradually filled that role, and I guess now I am. It feels surreal. I can't believe how quickly time has passed or how all of this has unfolded. It's an exciting challenge that I truly enjoy," she shared with BBC Sport.

Her leadership role has further intensified with the absence of seasoned bowlers, as the current pace lineup includes players like Issy Wong and Lauren Filer, alongside all-rounders like Danielle Gibson, Em Arlott, and Freya Kemp.

"I shared a lot of experiences with Crossy. She was like an older sister to me when I first joined England, always there to support me. I would still reach out to her for guidance whenever I faced difficulties,” Bell noted.

As England gears up for the forthcoming T20 World Cup at home, preparations are intensifying under head coach Charlotte Edwards, who recently conducted a rigorous training camp in South Africa. The camp featured a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, divided into two teams to foster competitive intensity.

Bell described the camp as both demanding and advantageous. "It was a thrilling experience. We had a strategy meeting at the outset, and Lot [Edwards] emphasized that we wanted it to be as competitive as possible. Competing against your teammates and friends brings an additional layer of competitiveness, which can be challenging since they know your thought process,” she commented.

With limited international matches scheduled before the World Cup, including T20 series against New Zealand and India, England is concentrating intensely on training camps and fitness benchmarks to refine their preparations.

The team is entering the global tournament aiming to break a lengthy trophy drought that dates back to their triumph at the 2017 ODI World Cup. Bell expressed the group's determination to change this narrative. "We haven't secured any titles in a while, and that's a tough position for a team to be in. Everyone is driven to turn this around,” she stated.

As England prepares for the tournament, set to kick off on June 12 against Sri Lanka, Bell believes that playing on home soil could be a significant advantage. "There are three major teams to consider—India, who are currently performing well; Australia, who are quite dominant; and then there's us with the home advantage, so anything can happen," Bell concluded.