Southampton, Sept 7: India’s poor run in England continued as the hosts inflicted another defeat on the visitors, this time in the second ODI at The Rose Bowl here. This is India’s sixth consecutive loss on the tour; the ignominious roster of losses reads four Tests, one T20I and one ODI so far.

The first ODI between the two nations was washed out after India posted a competitive target of 278 runs for England to chase and then picked two early wickets. Looking to build on the momentum they built in the first ODI, India disappointingly lost the rain-curtailed 23 overs-a-side second ODI by seven wickets as the bowlers failed to defend 187 runs.

"I thought 187 was a good score. But once [England] got 60 in the first five overs and 100 in the first 10, they never really had to take any risk," the Indian skipper MS Dhoni said about India’s latest loss.

Weighing his team’s performance in the game Dhoni said, "The bowling department needs to step up a bit. The strength of our bowlers is not speed but it didn't swing [during the second ODI]. Also, variations in pace were not possible because the outfield was wet and the ball came on to the bat nicely."

While discussing India’s bowling options he explained, “Presently it is becoming difficult to manoeuvre them around with just two bowlers. When the frontline bowlers go for runs, it becomes difficult. I tried [Ravichandran]Ashwin hoping he could upset their scoring but even he went for runs. The first five overs didn't work out for us."

"Our fast bowlers are not deceptively quick. They are between the 128-132 kmph speed. If it is not swinging, it's difficult and a bit tough on them," Dhoni elaborated.

On the inclusion of batsman Manoj Tiwary, Dhoni said, "Our lower order batters can't score big against this bowling attack. Without six batters it becomes quite difficult to score runs. So if it is a low score, even five bowlers can't defend it.”

"Injuries have been a big concern. We have lost nine players and almost of them feature in the first eleven,” he said while analysing India’s below par performance on the tour so far.

Ajinkya Rahane had batted with a runner in the latter part of his 54-run innings giving his team another scare. On the status of the opener’s injury, Dhoni said, "He felt a twist in his leg while turning. It's a bit of inflammation but as of now, he wouldn't miss the next game."