Ian Bell has conceded that he was "absolutely gutted" to learn that he had been dropped from the England Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa.

The 33-year-old of 118 Test appearances is a five-time Ashes winner, but he has struggled for form with the bat over the last few months.

The Warwickshire batsman is without a century in his last 23 innings, during which time he has been out for a duck or single figures on nine occasions.

Despite his omission from the four-Test series, Bell has insisted that he will do everything that he can to regain his place next year.

"I'm absolutely gutted not to be selected for the tour to SA," he wrote on Twitter earlier today.

"I certainly feel I could have contributed out there & have been working tirelessly 2 get into the best possible condition for the tour.

"I'm going2enjoy a winter break with my family for the 1st time in 11yrs and come back determined to win my place back. Wishing all the guys selected the best of luck."

During his 11-year Test career, Bell has scored 7,727 runs at an average of 42.69.