Hussain: No Excuses For India Hiding

The England top-order struggled before 50s from Nick Knight and Ian Blackwell rescued them from a disastrous seven for two to post an apparently competitive total of 269 for seven.

Hussain told Sky Sports: "The batting and bowling in the first 10 overs were decisive. They were brilliant and we were below par.

"We have still got some inexperience, but I was very pleased with the way we rebuilded so well to get up to 270 - but it looked like we needed a few hundred more after the way they batted.

Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly each hit hundreds as India completed the win with 10.3 overs to spare under the Premadasa Stadium lights.

Hussain admitted there were still some things to iron out before the Ashes tour to Australia, adding: "When a side like India comes at us, we have to work harder."

Ganguly was full of praise for his side, who now go on to face South Africa in the semi-final. He added: "England are a pretty good side and have a tough six months ahead of them - and I wish them all the best."