For Ashes, this Bell tolls

London, Sep 27 (UNI) His less-than-impressive show against the mighty Aussies notwithstanding, young England middle order bat Ian Bell is unfazed and insists he has nothing extra to prove on his first Ashes tour later this year.

Bell averaged just 17 in five Tests against Australia last summer, including a pair, and was dismissed by Shane Warne three times in the series.

''I didn't score as many runs as I'd have liked but hopefully that series will hold me in good stead,'' Bell told BBC Sport.

''I think they know I'm a good player,'' he asserted.

Bell takes heart from the fact that his was an improved show against Pakistan against whom he averaged 52, including three centuries in four innings.

Bell also shrugged off claims that he was scared by Warne.

''It's difficult but I'm not frightened.

''He can't hit me on the head which is a bonus - Brett Lee can do that - but Shane Warne's obviously one of the best cricketers that ever played the game,'' Bell explained.

''But I don't need to prove too much to anyone and I just want to go out there and be part of the side that retains the Ashes.

''Test cricket for England over the last couple of years has gone fantastically well and we need to stick to our game plans like last year when we frustrated Australia and they started to get out of their game plan,'' Bell said.

''If we can match Australia in terms of the verbals and not get carried away with other things around us I'm sure we'll be fine,'' he added.

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