Sydney Thunder have added an experienced international fast bowler to their squad ahead of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2026-27 season. The English pacer will be available throughout the campaign, giving the franchise a significant boost as it prepares for the upcoming tournament.

The signing reunites the bowler with familiar faces in the Thunder setup, including former England teammate Heather Knight. She also brings valuable experience from international cricket and several major franchise competitions, having delivered impressive performances across different formats of the women’s game.

Experienced England pacer signs for Thunder

England fast bowler Lauren Bell has signed with Sydney Thunder for WBBL 12, returning to the franchise for her second stint in the WBBL. The 25-year-old sits in the top five of the ICC T20I bowling rankings after taking seven wickets at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. She also enjoyed an outstanding campaign for Southern Brave in The Hundred, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 19 scalps, including best figures of 4/6.

Bell continued her strong form in the Women’s Premier League, claiming 12 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during their title-winning 2026 campaign. She also conceded just 19 runs in four overs in the final, delivering an economical spell alongside teammate Georgia Voll.

Also READ: Melbourne Stars sign England duo after Marizanne Kapp withdraws from WBBL|12

Lisa Keightley backs Bell to make an impact

Sydney Thunder head coach Lisa Keightley praised Bell’s wicket-taking ability, versatility and work ethic. She highlighted the pacer’s ability to strike with the new ball and contribute at different stages of an innings, adding that her availability for the entire season was a major boost. Bell said she was excited to return to Sydney and hoped to bring a winning mentality to the squad.

She also looked forward to playing alongside Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll, having previously faced Litchfield as an opponent and shared the dressing room with Voll in India. Her return gives Thunder an experienced bowling option as they prepare for WBBL 12, with the franchise hoping her recent form translates into another productive season.

Also READ: Alice Capsey joins Sydney Sixers for upcoming season of Women’s Big Bash League (BBL) 2026-27

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.