England fast bowler Lauren Bell has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May, receiving the award for the first time after a string of influential performances across formats during the opening weeks of the international summer.
The recognition follows a month in which Bell consistently delivered for England, whether with the new ball in One-Day Internationals or in the shorter format where she continued to provide breakthroughs against high-quality opposition. Her most productive spell came during England’s ODI series against New Zealand.
Bell finished as the leading wicket-taker in the series despite playing only two matches, returning figures of 2/38 in the opening game before producing 3/20 in the third ODI. Across those appearances, she claimed five wickets at an average of 13.40 and an economy rate of 4.36, underlining both her wicket-taking ability and control.
The right-arm seamer carried that momentum into the T20 format. Across four T20Is against New Zealand and India, Bell collected eight wickets at an average of 14.00 and an economy rate of 7.00. Her standout performances included figures of 2/23 against New Zealand and 3/34 against India at Chelmsford, where she once again demonstrated her ability to strike at crucial moments and disrupt opposition batting line-ups.
The award also reflects Bell’s steady development over recent years. Once regarded as a promising prospect within England’s pace-bowling ranks, she has evolved into one of the first names on the team sheet, capable of making an impact in all phases of an innings. Her performances in May arrived at an important time. With England preparing for a busy international calendar and a global tournament campaign, Bell’s form offered reassurance that the pace attack would have a reliable leader capable of delivering against high-quality opposition.
Speaking after receiving the award, Bell said the recognition was particularly satisfying given it came during a home season in front of English supporters.”I’m delighted to win this award. Performing well in front of home crowds is always fun and hugely satisfying. Playing for England is a huge honour and I am just proud to be able to contribute to our team!”
The award comes amid a period of significant growth for the women’s game, with record attendances and increased visibility continuing to reshape the landscape of international cricket. Bell acknowledged the role supporters have played in that progress and expressed her hope of continuing to repay that support during the ongoing World Cup.
“Women’s cricket has been growing at an incredible pace, and the fantastic crowds at the Women’s T20 World Cup really highlight that progress. The support from fans has been amazing, and I hope to give them more to cheer over the next few weeks.”
With England pursuing success on multiple fronts and the World Cup campaign continuing, Bell will have little time to dwell on the achievement. Yet her selection as the ICC Women’s Player of the Month underlines just how significant her contributions have been, and why she remains central to England’s hopes in the weeks ahead heading into the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Bell edged out strong competition from fellow nominees Gull Feroza of Pakistan and New Zealand’s Maddy Green. Feroza enjoyed a prolific month with the bat, amassing 256 runs in three ODIs against Zimbabwe at an average of 128.00 and a strike rate of 103.64, including successive centuries, before adding 82 runs in four T20Is at a strike rate of 157.69.
Green was equally consistent during New Zealand’s tour of England, scoring 125 runs in the ODI series at an average of 62.50 and a strike rate of 83.33, before adding 93 runs in three T20Is at an average of 46.50. Despite the strong claims of both batters, Bell’s 13 wickets across formats and her influence with the ball ultimately earned her the monthly honour.
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