As the England Women's cricket team gears up for a monumental 50-over World Cup campaign, the focus isn't just on the seasoned veterans but also on the bright new talents ready to make their mark on the global stage. For seamer Lauren Bell, the upcoming tournament represents the culmination of a childhood dream, a journey she navigates with a unique blend of raw pace and quiet introspection, guided by a simple, homemade tool: a collection of beaded bracelets.
A Dream Realised
The announcement of Bell's inclusion in England's World Cup squad was a moment of profound validation. "It's something I've dreamed of since I was a little girl," Bell told BBC Sport, the significance of the occasion clear in her voice. "To get the call, to know you're going to a World Cup, it's an incredible feeling."
Her journey to this point has been one of steady progression. Having made her international debut in 2022, the 23-year-old has quickly become an integral part of England's bowling attack, known for her ability to generate disconcerting bounce and seam movement. Yet, the transition from a promising newcomer to a World Cup-bound bowler required more than just technical refinement; it demanded a new level of mental fortitude.
The Bracelet Reset
Amid the high-pressure environment of international cricket, Bell has developed a simple yet effective mechanism to stay grounded. On her left wrist, she wears a stack of colourful, hand-strung beaded bracelets. These are not mere accessories; they are her personal reset buttons. "I make them myself," she explained. "Each one represents something different, a little reminder."
The concept is straightforward. During a match, when the pressure mounts, a wide delivery is bowled, or the opposition's batters are on the attack, Bell has a routine. She will pause, often between deliveries, and gently touch or adjust the bracelets on her wrist. This physical act is a conscious trigger to clear her mind, to reset her focus, and to bring her attention back to the next ball. "It's about letting that last ball go, whatever happened," she says. "It brings me back into the moment."
This technique is a form of mindfulness, a way to combat the natural ebb and flow of confidence during a game. The bracelets serve as tangible anchors, preventing her from dwelling on past mistakes or becoming overwhelmed by the scale of the occasion. Her key mental strategies, reinforced by this simple act, include:
- Focus on the Process: Concentrating on the specific skill of the next delivery, not the scoreboard.
- Emotional Detachment: Acknowledging a bad ball but not letting the frustration linger.
- Controlled Breathing: Using the bracelet reset as a moment to take a calming breath.
Preparing for the World Stage
Preparation for a tournament like the World Cup is exhaustive, blending physical conditioning with tactical and mental rehearsals. For Bell, this has involved honing her skills in various conditions and learning from the experienced heads within the squad, such as Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Anya Shrubsole, whose shoes she is now helping to fill. "You watch those players for years and then to be in the dressing room with them, you learn so much," she admitted.
The mental side, however, has been equally critical. Working with team psychologists and developing personal routines has been a key part of the build-up. The bracelet ritual is a public manifestation of this internal work. It’s a technique that allows her to maintain a sense of control and composure, qualities that will be invaluable in the cauldron of a World Cup final.
Learning from the Ashes
Bell points to the high-stakes environment of the 2023 Women's Ashes as a crucial learning experience. Playing in front of sold-out crowds against a world-class Australian side tested her in every way. "Those are the moments you play for, but they can be overwhelming," she reflected.
It was during that series that the 'bracelet reset' became a non-negotiable part of her game. In a tight finish at Lord's or a hostile run-chase at the Oval, the simple act of feeling the beads brought a moment of calm amidst the storm. "It just helps me park the noise, both from the crowd and the one in my own head," she said.
More Than Just Jewellery
The bracelets, while functional, also carry a deeper, more personal significance. Some represent family, others friendships forged through the game. They are a connection to her life beyond the boundary rope, a reminder of the support system that underpins her career. This balance is something Bell fiercely protects. "It's important to have that identity away from cricket," she noted. "It keeps you level."
As the World Cup approaches, the expectations on England are high. The team, under the leadership of Heather Knight, is seen as a genuine contender. For Bell, the goal is clear: to contribute with the ball and to enjoy the experience. "I just want to go out there, bowl fast, and do my job for the team," she stated, her tone a mix of determination and excitement.
And as she runs in to bowl her first over on cricket's biggest stage, with the hopes of a nation resting partly on her shoulders, a quick glance at her wrist will centre her. The colourful beads will be a silent promise to herself—a promise to focus, to reset, and to be present for every single ball. In the high-stakes world of international sport, sometimes the simplest tools are the most powerful.