BELLieve it! Thunder lock in world-class bowler

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The 25-year-old stands as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. She sits in the top 5 of the ICC World Rankings following an impressive performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup where she claimed seven wickets across the tournament. 

Along with 88 International caps across all formats, Bell brings a wealth of tournament experience. Last year saw a breakout performance in The Hundred for Southern Brave, topping the charts with 19 wickets and best figures of 4/6 in a single game.  

An impressive debut WPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru saw her claim 12 scalps. Playing alongside Thunder opener Georgia Voll in the final, she conceded just 19 runs from four overs in what captain Smriti Mandhana hailed as a “match-winning spell”. 

Bell made her WBBL debut in WBBL|09 with Thunder and will return for the full season, joining her former England teammate Heather Knight.  

Bell said;  

“I love Sydney, I love the group and we’ve got some exciting new additions since I was last here so I can’t wait to get going with the girls. 

“The WBBL has the best talent in the world, and as a cricketer that’s how I believe I will get better... playing and challenging myself against the best in the world.  

“I’ve obviously played against Phoebe [Litchfield] many times and we seem to have pretty good battles but it will be nice to have her on my side now and watch her score runs. Volly [Georgia Voll] is super fun and talented and I was lucky enough to play with her in India and I can’t wait to do it again in Sydney. 

“Playing for England has certainly helped me understand my own game and my experience within cricket has grown since I was last with Thunder. I hope I can bring that winning mentality to this group.”  

Sydney Thunder Head Coach Lisa Keightley said;   

“Lauren is a world-class bowler and someone we’re really excited to have back at the Thunder this season. 

“We’ve seen what she can do at the highest level. She has the ability to take wickets with the new ball, but what really stands out is how she can impact a game at different stages of an innings. 

“She brings a lot of experience to our group, but she’s also still only 25 and continuing to develop her game. She works incredibly hard, is always looking to get better and will fit really well into the culture we’re building. 

“To have Lauren available for the full season is a huge boost for us, and we believe she can play a really important role in what we want to achieve this year.” 

Sydney Thunder WBBL|12 Home Fixtures

Sunday, November 1 | Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat  
Drummoyne Oval (NSW), 3:40 PM (AEDT)   
Seven, 7plus, Foxtel, Kayo  

Thursday, November 5 | Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers  
Drummoyne Oval (NSW) 7:10 PM (AEDT)   
Seven, 7plus, Foxtel, Kayo   

Monday, November 16 | Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars  
Drummoyne Oval (NSW) 7:10 PM(AEDT)   
Foxtel, Kayo  

Saturday, November 28 | Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers  
Drummoyne Oval (NSW) 7:10 PM(AEDT)   
Foxtel, Kayo 

Sydney Thunder WBBL|12 Squad 
Head Coach: Lisa Keightley 

Contracted Players: 

Jemma Barsby, Sam Bates, Lauren Bell (INT). Hannah Darlington, Lucy Finn, Hasrat Gill, Nicola Hancock, Laura Harris, Heather Knight (INT), Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Tahlia Wilson  

ENDS