Women’s World Cup 2025 [WATCH]: Lauren Bell produces ‘ball of the tournament’ to dismiss Phoebe Litchfield during AUS vs ENG clash

Lauren Bell provided England with a dream start in their crucial clash against Australia at Holkar Stadium, Indore. Bowling with precision and intent right from her first delivery, Bell produced an absolute peach to remove the dangerous Phoebe Litchfield in just the third ball of the innings

Women’s World Cup 2025: England strike early as Lauren Bell castles Phoebe Litchfield with a beauty

Litchfield’s dismissal was a textbook example of top-quality new-ball bowling from Bell. On just the third delivery of her first over, Bell delivered a perfectly executed seam-up ball that completely outclassed the young Australian opener. It pitched on a good length, slightly on middle and leg, which initially tempted Litchfield into a defensive prod forward. However, as the ball landed, it subtly straightened off the seam, a hint of late movement that proved fatal.

Litchfield’s bat came down slightly late and across the line, leaving just enough of a gap between bat and pad. The ball kissed past the inside edge, whizzed through the gate, and clipped the top of the off stump in spectacular fashion. The stump light flashed instantly, and Litchfield stood momentarily frozen, beaten not by pace, but by precision and subtle seam movement.

Bell’s wrist position and control of swing were impeccable, generating both late deviation and perfect seam presentation. The delivery had that classic ‘dream ball to a left-hander’ trajectory pitching in line, drawing the batter forward, then shaping away just enough to clip the stumps. It was a dismissal that showcased Bell’s growing maturity as a new-ball bowler and set the tone for England’s spirited defense of their total.

Here’s the video:

An absolute jaffa from Lauren Bell rattles the stumps behind Phoebe Litchfield ⚡

Watch LIVE in your region, broadcast details here ➡️

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup)

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Women’s World Cup 2025: England dominate early as Australia crumble to 27/3 in Indore showdown

The 23rd match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, has swung firmly in England’s favour as Australia , chasing a challenging target of 245. After opting to bowl first, Australia’s bowlers had earlier done a commendable job in restricting England to 244/9, thanks to a fine all-round display from Annabel Sutherland (3/60), Ashleigh Gardner (2/39) and Sophie Molineux (2/52). Tammy Beaumont top-scored for England with a gritty 78 off 105 balls, providing the backbone of their innings, while Alice Capsey’s quickfire 38 off 32 helped them push past 240.

However, England’s bowlers came out breathing fire under the lights. Lauren Bell set the tone immediately with a cracking delivery to castle Litchfield for just 1. Her ability to generate sharp movement under the lights made life miserable for the Australian openers. Soon after, Linsey Smith took control with her left-arm spin, dismissing Georgia Voll (6) with a delivery that dipped late and crashed into the stumps, before removing Ellyse Perry (13) through a brilliant caught-and-bowled effort. At just 24/3, Australia’s chase was in deep trouble, with both openers and Perry, the backbone of their top order, back in the pavilion within the first six overs.

At the crease now, Beth Mooney (5)* and Sutherland (1)* are trying to steady the innings, but England’s bowlers have kept a relentless line and length, exploiting every bit of movement and turn available on a responsive Indore surface. The required run rate has climbed to 5.08, and with key batters like Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner and Sophie Molineux yet to come, Australia face an uphill battle to preserve their unbeaten record in the tournament. England, meanwhile, look energized and determined to deliver a statement win in this high-profile clash between two semi-final-bound powerhouses.

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