Moores predicts England recovery

Ian Bell's 79-run opening stand lent England's innings early momentum in Kanpur

Buy this photo

Coach Peter Moores believes England can take plenty of positives from their last performance into the fourth one-day international against India, a day/night match in Bangalore on Sunday.

The tourists slipped to a 16-run defeat under the Duckworth-Lewis method in Kanpur after smog delayed the start and bad light brought a premature halt to proceedings.

The result leaves England 3-0 down with four matches remaining but Moores believes his side have plenty to build on.

Ravi Bopara's promotion from number eight to open with Ian Bell was one positive at Green Park, as the pair put on 79. Bell perished first for 46 while Bopara went on to make 60.

"I thought there were lots of good things to come out of it," Moores said. "Ravi Bopara up the top played well, as did Ian Bell, and it was a good opening stand.

"I'm disappointed we didn't push on and get a few more because it was a tough wicket and we didn't get that partnership later on.

"It looked like someone was going to go and then we lost a wicket and that is something we have to look at, but there was no lack of effort."

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff also caught the coach’s eye. He struck a composed 26 before having India in trouble with 3-31 from nine overs.

England’s endeavours saw the game in the balance at 117 for five in the 36th over but the umpires ended the encounter four overs later.

"The one thing I would say is that the lads were up for the challenge," added Moores.

"It was a good game of cricket, but unfortunately they came out on top thanks to the Duckworth-Lewis method.

"In the field I thought Freddie led the charge. He came in to bowl and time and again said we're having a good go and we're up for it.

“That's what everyone wants to see, an England side totally committed."