The Ashes 2013: Five players to look out for in the fifth Test

Ian Bell

1. Ian Bell (500 runs)

The 31-year-old Warwickshire batsman has been on a roll in this series. Three centuries in four matches bear testament to the immense skill and patience that Bell has displayed so far. If not for a mad rush of blood that saw him lose his wicket to Nathan Lyon for 74, he would have had scored four centuries in all the games he’s played in so far.

Bell has been a calming influence on the shaky middle-order, holding the batting together after the entire top order collapsed quite a few times. More often than not, it has been his resolute approach that has dragged England out of danger many times. His partnerships with Kevin Pietersen at Old Trafford and Chester-le-Street laid the foundation for England’s eventual retention of the Ashes.

With 500 runs at an astounding average of 71.42, Bell will be Australia’s chief target and England’s main hope in the middle order. He will look to continue from where he left off in Durham and steer his side to a possible fourth win.