Ashes 2013: Top five batsmen in the series

3. Kevin Pietersen (England – 388 runs)

Kevin Pietersen of England hits out watched by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin of Australia during day five of the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at the Kia Oval on August 25, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The maverick batsman posted his first half-century of the series in the second innings of the first Test, when he made 64 from 150 balls. He flopped at Lord’s, getting out for single-digit scores in both innings, but recovered sufficiently to hammer a brilliant 113 at Manchester, featuring in a strong partnership with the consistent Ian Bell.

At Durham, KP scored a solid 44 in the second innings, but was surprisingly slow in the final game, although he scored fifties in both innings. His quick-fire 62 from 55 balls on the last day of the fifth Test crushed any hopes the Aussies had of scoring a consolation victory.

He averaged 38.80 during the series, but England would have wanted him to score some more runs.