Dravid takes the blame

Rahul Dravid's dismissal prompted a middle-order collapse © Getty Images

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India skipper Rahul Dravid has taken responsibility for his side's three-wicket defeat in the third match of the one-day series against the West Indies.

India were on target for a big score when they reached 232 for three when Dravid was dismissed in the 35th over.

And his dismissal triggered an Indian collapse as they lost their last seven wickets for 36 runs to finish 268 all out.

West Indies went on to pass the Indian total with 38 balls to spare.

"It's disappointing," Dravid said. "We should have scored at least 350 runs the way things were going. We lost the match after losing the last seven wickets for 36 runs."

The India captain felt his side's batsmen were responsible for "not staying long enough on a flat wicket like this one."

He added: "We seniors should have tried to do that after being given a solid start by Robin Uthappa. I should have tried to stay until the end.”

Brian Lara wants more professionalism from his side

Uthappa made 70 off 41 balls but was dismissed when he lofted the ball to Lendl Simmons while trying to heave a Chris Gayle delivery out of the ground.

"He gave us a flying start and maintained the tempo. He must be feeling bad about losing his wicket in that manner.

"But as he plays more games, he will learn more. He is playing his fourth or fifth game. It was an excellent innings."

West Indies skipper Brian Lara was relieved that his side were able to restrict the Indians to a reachable total.

"At one stage, I thought we would need to chase a total of 400 or so. But our bowlers arrested their run rate in the last 15 overs and we were able to restrict India's total," said Lara.

"We did not show professionalism at the end. We lost a few wickets. This is an important factor that we need to address and finish like professionals."

Lara felt Uthappa was a talent to watch out for.

"I have seen him play in a couple games and once in the Caribbean. He played excellent shots. He is a compact and talented player,” he said.

"Fortunately for us, when Chris (Gayle) came on to bowl, he fell for him. But credit should be given to him for his execution of a solid innings."