Charlotte Edwards Cup Rewind: Lauren Bell Bewilders Lightning

On a Wednesday night in May, The Ageas Bowl lit up as Lauren Bell swung the ball round corners as she took 3-12 in four straight overs for the Vipers against Lightning in the second Charlotte Edwards Cup match of the season.

Rain was on the radar, but miraculously stayed away, but it was the visitors who hoped the weather had liven up to their namesake, as they were defeated by 31 runs.

Set 155 to defend, Bell struck with the final ball of her first over, as Marie Kelly top edged a pull shot, and the safe hands of Carla Rudd claimed the catch.

Then it was the turn of Lightning keeper Sarah Bryce to be completely flummoxed by the swing of Bell.

She went for the drive, only to see her off stump cartwheeling behind her, and Bell had taken two wickets in three balls, with Lightning 12-2 in the third over.

Bell’s third wicket – England opener Tammy Beaumont – was the best of the lot.

Down the wicket came Beaumont, only to find the ball swinging in from the wide line straight into the base of her middle and off stumps.

The best way to watch Lauren and the rest of the Southern Vipers squad is with a Hampshire Cricket Membership.

Memberships for 2023 are now on sale, from £180 for a standard membership, whilst junior and young adult memberships start at £25.

A Hampshire Cricket Membership provides the chance to be part of the Hampshire family and incorporates a whole host of exciting benefits for 2023.

Members are at the heart of everything that happens at Hampshire Cricket and The Ageas Bowl, and the Club continuously looks to improve the Membership offering.