SOMERSET’S Ed Hossell has had a winter to remember after helping England VI regain the Blind Ashes in Australia.

The Blind Ashes this year was contested over the course of five ODI’s and two T20′s, but England’s impressive performances saw them claim a series victory today with two games to spare.

The opening match of the series, a T20, was abandoned without a ball being bowled but the first ODI saw England take a one – nil lead courtesy of a comprehensive eight wicket victory.

England won the toss and put Australia in and two for 43 from Hossell helped to limit the hosts to 285 for eight.

Needing 20 from the final four overs to secure the win, England Captain Matt Dean led from the front and smashed the winning runs to ensure that he finished unbeaten on 96.

England went two – nil up in the next ODI as a record stand of 294 between Luke Sugg and Matt Dean helped the visitors to a 96 run victory.

The third ODI saw Hossell come to the fore with the ball as his man of the match performance inspired England to a 150 run win and a three – nil series lead.

The hosts needed 313 for victory but a sparkling spell of bowling from the Somerset man meant that England were always on top.

He finished with best ever figures by an England VI bowler of four for 27 from 7.4 overs.

Speaking after that win, Ed said: “Today was awesome - I think it was certainly the full team performance that we were looking for, where we dominated with the ball, which showed by us bowling them out and winning by 150 runs.

“Winning the Lord’s Taverners International Blind Cricket Series – the Ashes – is why we are here.

“We have worked so hard and proven what we can do. I think this win is a testament to our hard work.

“I am just thrilled to be a part of it because we have a great bunch of guys and fantastic support staff.”

Australia got themselves back in to the series by claiming a 42-run win in the fifth match of the series, but Hossell was once again the star in the final ODI as England claimed the series - and with it, the Ashes - with a 51-run victory, with two matches to spare.

He once again broke the record for the best ever figures for an England VI player when he claimed a stunning five for 35 from eight overs.

The remaining two matches in the series take place on Saturday and Sunday but England have an unassailable lead in the series.