Ashes 2013: Top five batsmen in the series

1. Ian Bell (England – 562 runs)

Ian Bell of England hits out 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)

In a nutshell, the series completely belonged to the 31-year-old batsman from Coventry. He started the run-glut at Trent Bridge, making a responsible 109 in the second innings, and thus paving the way for England’s eventual win. At Lord’s, Bell made exactly the same score in the first innings, rescuing his side from a shaky 28/3, and followed it up with 74 in the second essay as England won by 347 runs.

He missed out on another ton at Manchester, scoring 60 in the first innings, and was unbeaten on 4 in the second when bad light halted play. In the fourth match, Bell hammered 113 in the second innings, and a Broad special enabled England to win by 74 runs.

At the Oval, Bell scored 62 runs in both innings to finish with a total of 562 for the entire tourney – he shared the Player of the Series award with Australia’s Ryan Harris.

It is consistency that the Warwickshire batsman must look for now, and England would want him to carry on in the same vein during the November edition of the Ashes in Australia. Terrific performance!