We learned a lot from series loss, says Cook

England captain urges side to stay positive after win in last ODI.

England may have claimed victory in the fifth One-Day International (ODI) on Sunday, but that did not stop India from reaching the top of the ODI rankings for the first time in more than three years, as they won the series 3-2.

However, captain Alastair Cook’s team has left in considerably higher spirits after their seven-wicket win, which was set in motion due to their disciplined bowling performance, and Ian Bell’s pitch-perfect 113 not out, according to The Times of India. 

“We take a lot through to New Zealand from this month and we’ve learned a lot about players too,” said Cook, who has a break before rejoining the side for the next one-day series against New Zealand.

“Belly’s (Bell) hundred today was outstanding. It is easy sometimes to talk the talk but to go out there and do it like he did is something we can take a lot from.”

Even though the tourists ended the series on a high, Cook was determined to not settle for just a decent performance as there was disappointment of a series loss.

Meanwhile, India captain MS Dhoni backed Gautam Gambhir to shake off his poor form after another top-order batting collapse in seaming conditions saw India finish the series on a low.

“It is just a matter of time,” said Dhoni. “In the last few games, I felt he was batting much better as he was not tentative.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2013.