England captain Alastair Cook following the nine-run win over India

Last updated: 11th January 2013  

England captain Alastair Cook following the nine-run win over India

Alastair Cook was proud of his side after they secured victory in India

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England captain Alastair Cook paid tribute to his men after a momentous nine-run ODI win over India in Rajkot.

The tourists ended a run of 13 international defeats on Indian soil by batting first and posting an intimidating 325-4 - anchored by an inspired 85 from opener Ian Bell.

Several Indian batsmen threatened to match Bell's effort as the hosts made a bold bid for victory, with Gautam Gambhir (52), Yuvraj Singh (61) and Suresh Raina (50) all in aggressive.

But ultimately, the England bowlers held out with James Tredwell (4-44) prevalent and Jade Dernbach striking at the death to restrict India to 316-9.

Cook told Sky Sports afterwards: "Obviously it was a good win. Everyone in that dressing room can be proud.

"It was a good toss to win in these conditions. It was a good wicket and we made the most of it. Clearly if we were being a bit greedy then we would want one of us to go on and make a big hundred and get the score up to 330-340.

"But then Samit (Patel) and Craig (Kieswetter) came in and got 60 off the last five overs which made a big difference.

"A score of 325 to defend was a good target. They kept coming at us but at the crucial times we got the wickets. Tredders was exceptional on that wicket to get four wickets."

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