England batsman Ian Bell has described Test cricket as having a "brutal environment".

The 33-year-old has been criticised for his recent form as he has scored just 117 runs in his last six Test matches.

Ahead of the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston this week, Bell has insisted that he can return to form to help his nation reclaim the urn.

"It's a brutal environment, international sport," BBC Sport quotes Bell as saying. "You have to perform. I'm realistic enough to know that I haven't played to the best of my ability in the last two months."

The Ashes series currently stands at 1-1 with three Tests left to play.