Friday 5 September 2014 20:52, UK
England captain Alastair Cook was left with mixed feelings after they rounded out the one-day series against India with a 41-run triumph at Headingley.
Joe Root became the first Yorkshireman to score a Test and ODI century on his home ground as England avoided a 4-0 defeat at the hands of their opponents.
I think we played better. Every time you play for England, you care, but we played well and that's what we have to repeat more times than not
But while the performance was pleasing, Cook was left to lament the fact his team had been so soundly beaten in the three previous games, leaving them playing for nothing but pride by the time they arrived in Leeds.
"That was a far better performance and what we can play like. It's frustrating we haven't," he said. "Joe was fantastic, he went on and that's what we've been missing.
"We got a lot of 20s and 30s in this series and the first time one of the guys takes a hundred...we've got a bowling attack to defend it.
"I think we played better. Every time you play for England, you care, but we played well and that's what we have to repeat more times than not."
England, who have now lost five home series in a row, do at least have further opportunities to find their best form in 50-over cricket before next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
They travel to Sri Lanka next, though they still won't be at full strength for that tour as Stuart Broad is recovering from a knee operation.
"This is the first time we have a massive chunk of one-day cricket to concentrate on improving," he said.
"We haven't batted well enough or had a full complement of players available - the last time we did we got to the Champions Trophy final. We have a bit of a break and then then we're at it. Our preparation will be perfect and we can make strides forward."
Root was named man of the match after making 113 out of England's total of 294-7. India, in reply, were bowled out for 253 with eight deliveries to spare.
"It's great to play at your home ground, the crowd were exceptional and it's really nice to get a win," Root said after registering his second ODI ton.
"It was tough to start with and once we got the place of the wicket it was easier.
"I tried not to think too much, played on instinct and it just came off."
