Beating Pakistan would be as tough as winning Ashes: Bell

London, Jan 5: England batsman Ian Bell has admitted that beating Pakistan in the Middle East would be just as tough as winning the Ashes.

Up against an in-form Pakistan side that has lost just one Test in their last 12, England is preparing for the first of a series of big challenges in 2012.

And they recognise how hard it is to win in these kind of conditions. The pitches might not be exactly the same as Lahore or Karachi, but they will be close and the searing heat of Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be another test, The Mirror reports.

Bell said: “This Pakistan side are really in form, and it’s a great opportunity. When you go to an Ashes series you’re excited to get there, but winning in the sub-continent or against sub-continental teams is really hard.

“It takes a lot out of you and the feeling you have is just like winning the Ashes. That’s the achievement we’re looking for away from home this year.”