Ian Bell: England's third Test bowling performance brilliant

Ian Bell believes England’s bowling performance was among the best he has seen after their eight-wicket victory over Australia at Edgbaston.

England wrapped up victory inside three days after skittling out Australia for 136 and 265 in the third Investec Ashes Test.

Bell hit an unbeaten 65 on his home ground as Alastair Cook’s team comfortably chased down their target of 121 to go 2-1 up in the series.

And Bell praised the way England’s bowlers tore through the tourists’ batting line-up on day one, led by James Anderson and Steven Finn.

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"The bowlers set the tone on day one. That was some of the best bowling I have been part of," Bell told Sky Sports.

"It was a tough week last week at Lord's, Australia showed how to bounce back after Cardiff, and we’ve done exactly that.

"I didn’t expect to be chasing 50, I expected 150-plus because it is Australia."

The Warwickshire batsman returned to form with 53 in the first innings before he was dismissed with a loose shot off the bowling of Nathan Lyon.

And Bell was keen to make amends in the second innings after being criticised by former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott for his dismissal.

"Especially how I got out in the first innings, Geoff Boycott told me this morning how bad a shot that was on day one," Bell added.

"I was determined to be there at the end and Rooty [Joe Root] played beautifully. The great thing is coming home, to stay at home every night in familiar surroundings.

"When I walked out to bat on the first day I could feel everyone was with me. Hopefully this is the start of me getting back into form."

The fourth Test at Trent Bridge starts on August 6.

Watch the fourth Ashes Test from Trent Bridge from Thursday August 6 live on Sky Sports Ashes HD. You can also watch the fourth Test with a NOW TV Sports Day Pass. Plus, our Ashes Events Centre - the best of Sky Cricket's analysis at your fingertips - is available on our iPad app.