Top Headlines

Feeds

Lauren Bell’s swing and strategy propel RCB to WPL final

Published Cached

Bell's 12 wickets and leading dot‑ball tally drive RCB to final – She has taken 12 wickets at a 5.62 economy, bowled 116 dot balls (19.2 overs) in eight matches, the most in the tournament, helping RCB reach its second final in four years. [1]

Action overhaul after 2023 Ashes added lethal outswinger – After the 2023 Ashes, Bell remodified her bowling action to become more upright, converting her primary inswinger into a potent outswinger, now a key weapon noted by RCB bowling coach Anya Shrubsole. [1]

Opening spell on Jan 9 dismissed Amelia Kerr, setting tone – In RCB’s first game on Jan 9 against Mumbai Indians, Bell opened the bowling and reduced New Zealand all‑rounder Amelia Kerr to four runs off 15 balls, establishing early pressure. [1]

January 17 wicket of Laura Wolvaardt highlighted strategic planning – Against Delhi Capitals on Jan 17, Bell executed a pre‑planned move to swing the ball back into South African batter Laura Wolvaardt, resulting in a decisive wicket she cites as her favourite of the season. [1]

PowerPlay reliance and captain‑bowler synergy boost RCB strategy – RCB deploys Bell for three overs in the PowerPlay and brings her back later to break partnerships; her prior teammate relationship with captain Smriti Mandhana from The Hundred fosters seamless on‑field coordination. [1]

RCB secured Bell in 2026 auction after Warriorz passed – After being unused by UP Warriorz in 2023, Bell was bought early in the 2026 WPL auction by RCB, with coach Anya Shrubsole confirming the side’s desire for a strong opening bowler. [1]

  • Lauren Bell – Explained she “tinkered with my action” to gain more upright posture, adding an outswinger, described the six‑to‑nine‑month adjustment as “tricky” but worthwhile, and called the Wolvaardt dismissal her favourite because it exploited a known weakness.
  • Anya Shrubsole – RCB’s bowling coach noted Bell’s outswinger is a “fairly recent addition” to her arsenal and affirmed the team’s intent to secure an opening bowler strong in the PowerPlay.
  • Smriti Mandhana – The RCB captain said she and Bell “work really well together,” citing their previous partnership with Southern Brave in The Hundred and Bell’s confidence‑boosting support.

Links