India Outplayed Us, Concedes 'Dejected' Alastair Cook

Alastair Cook conceded England were thoroughly outplayed by India as his side slumped to a comprehensive ODI series defeat on Tuesday. (Highlights)

"India certainly batted better, fielder better, and bowled better. We were outplayed," England skipper Cook said, at the post-match presentation. (Ajinkya Rahane slams maiden ton)

Cook won the toss and decided to set a total but his batsmen failed to apply themselves. However, Cook refused to blame the wicket or his decision to bat first and felt it was purely down to poor cricket played by his team. (Record-breaking MS Dhoni remains modest in India's historic series win)

"It was a very tough day. It is amazing how sport changes quickly. We have played some bad cricket after the Tests. I don't know why. No excuses for that. The pitch probably got better but we wanted to bat first," he added. (MS Dhoni becomes India's most successful ODI captain)

Cook has been severely criticised for his captaincy and non-performance with the bat in the recent past and the series loss only adds to the pressure. With the World Cup less than six months away, Cook felt his team had a long way to go. (Ian Bell suffers broken toe)

"We have to work incredibly hard. That is the only way to go. That is the bottomline. There is a World Cup a few months away and you have to show you are hungry," he said.

Talking about the manner in which his side has capitulated in coloured clothing, Cook said, "It is always tough to lose three games quickly, especially with the manner in which we have lost. People will have to be hungry and keep working hard."

Cook also stressed on the pressing need to improve and make use of the potential in the national side and went on to say that Moeen Ali was the only one who had a good day in the fourth ODI.

"There is potential but we need to improve. Moeen Ali batted very well. He was the only guy to have a good day today. We are pretty clear on the personnel we need. They certainly have the potential, they just need to turn up to score runs or take wickets."

Come Friday, Cook will hope his troops can lift themselves and salvage some pride in the fifth and final ODI at Leeds.