August 16, 2006	Wednesday	Rajab 20, 1427

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LONDON, Aug 15: England batsman Ian Bell is refusing to be caught up in hype of countdown to the Ashes, with final cricket Test against Pakistan starting on Thursday at The Oval.

“We're about to win a big series so we want to concentrate on getting 3-0 against a world-class side in Pakistan.

“It's an important match for us all — it's the last Test match before Australian tour. The performances in this will be key for Australia but we've got a lot of cricket before that.”

Tuesday marked 100 days to go before the first Ashes Test begins in Brisbane on Nov 23.

But first England return to The Oval ground where last September they completed a series victory over Australia for the first time in 18 years.

Bell failed to score in either innings of that final Test and has endured a rollercoaster time since. He was dropped at start of summer but recalled when Andrew Flintoff underwent ankle surgery and scored centuries in three successive Tests against Pakistan.

Bell put his successful return down to extra work not only on technique but also on his presence at crease, after being described as diffident during Ashes.

“I've matured, I've learnt more, I've had some ups and downs and those experiences have helped me become a better player.”— Agencies