• India v England, 1st Test, Ahmedabad

Cook sees positives in defeat

File photo: Alastair Cook's marathon innings was in vain as England were resoundingly beaten in Ahmedabad(ESPN is not carrying live pictures due to curbs on media) © PA Photos

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Alastair Cook insists there are plenty of positives to be taken from England's defeat to India in Ahmedabad.

India won by nine wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series, despite a defiant second innings stand of 157 by Cook and Matt Prior.

The England captain led by example in a nine-hour resistance of 176, but it proved to be in vain as the tourists lost their last five wickets for only 50 runs as they were all out for 406 - leaving India to cruise over the line after being set a target of just 77.

But despite a number of concerns, Cook hailed his side for a valiant fightback after a woeful start and says England will go back to the drawing board ahead of the second Test in Mumbai.

"There was an outside chance: Matty and I knew we would have to do the majority of the work," Cook said. "We got closer and closer and knew India had done a huge amount of overs in the field as well.

"That was the inspiration this morning. It wasn't meant to be. We didn't get that partnership going as we did last night. There was a lot of character showed by the lads. They fought hard.

"It was a great fightback. We were in a very tough situation and to get to the last day there is always a glimmer of hope. It had to be something very special - unfortunately it wasn't meant to be today.

"We fought hard - we can take a lot from the second half of that game with the batting. We need to work hard so when we go to Mumbai we can start again."

Meanwhile, India captain MS Dhoni appeared to allow himself a veiled attack on the umpires, Aleem Dar and Tony Hill.

India's spinners had several good shouts for lbw turned down and, with DRS not employed, they had no choice but to take their medicine. Dhoni did not take it entirely happily.

"It was hard work for them, especially if you are expected to take more than ten wickets to get the team out," he said at the presentation ceremony.

"There was something in the wicket initially and the spinners bowled really well in the first innings but as the game progressed there was a bit of low bounce for the spinners but not much turn so they had to work really hard.

"Even if you misjudged the flight you still had time to adjust. Even if you edged one it was still unlikely to reach the slip area."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.