At just 24 years old, Lauren Bell is already a name that many cricket fans recognize, particularly those who follow The Hundred. Her recent achievement of becoming the first player to take 50 wickets in this thrilling format has officially etched her name into the tournament’s history books. It’s impossible not to feel a surge of pride for her impressive accomplishments as a young athlete who’s breaking records and expectations alike.
Gathering a remarkable total of 51 wickets over four-and-a-half seasons, Bell stands as a beacon of excellence in a tournament that, while relatively young and still evolving, has witnessed its fair share of excitement and intense competition. What’s even more inspiring is her current form in the fifth edition of The Hundred, where she is not just participating—she’s leading the wicket charts with 10 wickets in just four matches, showcasing her undeniable talent and tenacity.
Her record-breaking moment came against the Trent Rockets at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on August 16, 2025. It was during this match that she secured her landmark 50th wicket by claiming the scalp of the opposition’s captain, Ashleigh Gardner, demonstrating her skill under pressure. Not only did she take three wickets that day, but she finished with impressive figures of 20 overs, with only 16 runs conceded—an outing that clearly solidified her role as a match-winner.
When Bell made her debut for Southern Brave on July 24, 2021, against the same Trent Rockets, she instantly left an impression that suggested she was destined for greatness. In that match, she showcased her prowess with a 20-ball spell that returned 2 wickets for just 23 runs. Anyone watching could see that this tall, skiddy medium-fast bowler had a special talent—she could move the ball with finesse, control the run rate, and deliver at those crucial moments that define a match.
Her statistics over the years paint a picture of a bowler who knows how to perform under pressure: 51 wickets in just 36 innings, with a remarkable average of 16.07 and an economy rate of 7.15, all speak volumes. These numbers don’t just reflect her skills; they highlight her understanding of the game’s dynamics, particularly in a format as fast-paced as The Hundred. Whether it’s striking at the start with the new ball or applying pressure in the final overs, Bell has positioned herself as an irreplaceable asset for Southern Brave.
Highlighting her capabilities further, her career-best bowling figures in the tournament came against the Trent Rockets on August 25, 2022, where she achieved 4 wickets for just 10 runs. That performance not only earned her the Player of the Match title but also served as a reminder of her knack for delivering the knockout blows against even the toughest opposition.
Now, as she enters the fifth edition, Lauren Bell continues to raise the bar with her splendid performance. Leading the tournament’s wicket tally already, her evolving game is more refined, precise, and, most importantly, ever more dangerous when it matters most. No longer just a promising young talent, she is now the very heartbeat of Southern Brave’s bowling attack.
In attaining the 50-wicket milestone, Bell hasn’t just set a record; she’s created a new standard for future fast bowlers and even spinners who often dominate shorter formats. This is a significant landmark for a tournament that’s still gathering its identity. Having a record-holder like her adds depth to the cricketing narrative, enriching its folklore as it grows.
This milestone goes beyond mere statistics. It signals the rise of a dynamic bowling leader in women’s cricket. In a format often centered around power-hitting, Bell’s success serves as a powerful reminder that skillful fast bowling still has the capacity to influence the game substantially. Her ascent in the sport is not just a personal triumph; it mirrors the burgeoning potential of The Women’s Hundred itself—fresh, ambitious, and conducive to producing stars that inspire future generations.
For those watching her journey unfold, it’s not just about her record-breaking achievements. It’s about seeing a young woman realize her dreams on a global platform, reminding us that with passion, perseverance, and talent, anything is possible. As fans, we can only anticipate with excitement what more she has in store, firmly believing that this is just the beginning of her remarkable journey in cricket.
Image Source: Lauren Bell @ Instagram
