Top honours for Bell

Ian Bell wants to "lead from the front" after being named England's Cricketer of the Year.

The 32-year-old Warwickshire batsman won the award, voted for by the English cricket media, on the back of making three centuries and two fifties during England's 3-0 home Ashes series win against Australia last year.

But that series was quickly overshadowed by England's 5-0 thrashing in Australia in 2013/14.

"I don't think we reacted well to the problems we had and there has been plenty of fall out since," said Bell in what appeared to be a reference to the post-Australia tour ditching of star batsman Kevin Pietersen and Andy Flower's replacement as coach by Peter Moores.

"When you step back from it all and have a look, I think we got blindsided by Australia.

"It is horrible to come away from that with a 5-0 scoreline, but it will be a good experience in the long run for the younger players who were on that trip."

Bell received his award during a dinner at Lord's - the venue for Thursday's first Test against Sri Lanka.

"To win three Ashes on the bounce means we must have been doing something right."

Charlotte Edwards’ consistent run-scoring and outstanding leadership skills in a year which saw England women win back-to-back Ashes series helped her win the England Women's Cricketer of the Year award.