Lauren Bell's First Five-Wicket Haul Secures England's ODI Series Sweep Against New Zealand

Lauren Bell claimed her first five-wicket haul in senior cricket as England clinched a narrow ODI series whitewash against New Zealand in Bristol on Wednesday.

The match, shortened to 42 overs per side due to a 95-minute rain delay, saw New Zealand post their highest total of the series with 211 for eight. Bell's crucial breakthroughs curtailed promising innings from captain Sophie Devine, half-centurion Amelia Kerr, and left-hander Brooke Halliday.

England chased down the target with five wickets in hand, overcoming an early stumble thanks to half-centuries from Amy Jones and Nat Sciver-Brunt. Sciver-Brunt remained unbeaten on 76, benefiting from a missed catch at cover when she was on 63, which diminished New Zealand's chances of securing a consolation win.

Bell, the 23-year-old seamer, had faced what she described as "a tricky few months," as England's coaches had been altering her action to enhance her pace, bounce, and variation. Bell mentioned on Wednesday that she now has to focus more on her bowling due to these changes. However, after being outperformed by Lauren Filer in the series opener and sitting out the second match, Bell had a breakthrough moment at Bristol, allowing her to maintain her focus during the game. Interestingly, she relied on her reliable in-swing and slower balls to take her wickets.

She first broke a 68-run partnership between Devine and Kerr by angling a ball into Devine, who edged it onto her stumps while attempting a cut shot. Later, Bell returned with five overs remaining and dismissed Kerr and Halliday in the same over—Kerr was trapped lbw missing a slog sweep, and Halliday was caught down the leg side by a diving Jones. Bell completed her five-wicket haul with slower balls to Izzy Gaze and Lauren Down, who both skied catches to mid-off.

Reflecting on her performance, Bell acknowledged the challenges of changing her bowling action but believed it would benefit her career in the long run.

With Sophie Ecclestone rested, this match was a test for England. Their fielding remained sharp, highlighted by Jones taking two brilliant diving catches and Charlie Dean running out Georgia Plimmer with a direct hit from backward point. However, their batting was inconsistent. Tammy Beaumont didn't use DRS for her lbw decision and walked off for a duck, leaving England at 33 for three within the eight-over powerplay. Maia Bouchier was dismissed by Molly Penfold, and Heather Knight edged a limp shot to bowler Hannah Rowe after scoring 9 from 21 balls.

A steadying 90-run partnership between Sciver-Brunt and Jones helped England recover. Although Jones edged behind with 50 runs still needed, Alice Capsey faced her recent challenges and stayed with Sciver-Brunt to see England through to victory.