Bell delights in Player of the Series award

Batsman Ian Bell delighted in his Player of the Series performance, after England capped a three-nil triumph over Australia on day five of the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval on Sunday.

Batsman Ian Bell delighted in his Player of the Series performance, after England capped a three-nil triumph over Australia on day five of the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval on Sunday.

While the finale ended in a draw, a 14-run win at Trent Bridge, 347-run victory at Lord's, 74-run success at Chester-le-Street and rain-affected stalemate at Old Trafford allowed the hosts the historic result.

The right-handed Bell, who amassed 562 runs in 10 innings, including three centuries and two half-tons, at the impressive average of 62.44, remained at the fore of the charge throughout.

"Any time you win the Ashes is right up there, and the away series was always going to be number one but, on an individual note, to have contributed by scoring three centuries makes it a special one," enthused Bell.

"If you are getting carried away or looking too far ahead this game can turn round and bite you," he said, after the fifth and final Test ended in a draw. But we'll enjoy the victory we worked hard for over the five games and we'll enjoy the next few weeks.

"When you score tons and you don't win Test matches or a series it means nothing. The victory is the most important thing. I am glad I was able to contribute the way I did in the end."

The English and Australians will meet for two Twenty20 Internationals and five ODIs. The first T20I will get underway at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Thursday.

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