England batsman Ian Bell has admitted that the team were thoroughly "outplayed" by South Africa in their heavy first Test defeat at The Oval.
The Proteas completed an innings victory yesterday courtesy of a Dale Steyn five-wicket haul, after Hashim Amla had put the tourists in a winning position with a record-breaking 311 not out.
Jacques Kallis and captain Graeme Smith also made centuries as South Africa dominated the match, which saw the world's top two ranked sides face off.
Bell has conceded that England were second best, but is confident that they can respond and maintain their number one ranking by levelling the three-match series at Headingly.
"Obviously it was a very tough Test match for us. Credit to South Africa, I thought they were outstanding from the second morning and outplayed us," Bell told Sky Sports News.
"We've got to come back hard now at Headingley. It was thoroughly disappointing but everyone will be up for it next week.
"We had a good chat last night. Some good honesty was talked about around the team, we'll have to come back, there will be some big preparation around the team both individually and when we come together as a group on Monday. We need to get things right."
The second Test begins a week on Thursday.
