London, Sept 9: Winning the third ODI of the five-match series here at The Oval, England have taken an unassailable 2-0 series lead. Captain Alastair Cook was a happy man as his side managed to beat India by three wickets despite the rain interruption, revised target and the visitors’ fightback.

England’s ODI captain spoke briefly about his team’s performance in a media interview after the match.

Excerpts:

On winning becoming a habit

Yeah, but it was a bit touch-and-go there. But the way we handled pressure towards the end, a lot of credit goes to the lower-order, especially Ravi [Bopara].

On whether he thought there was much in the wicket when he opted to bowl after winning the toss

We knew it would do a little bit at the start […] Tim Bresnan and Jimmy [James Anderson] really exploited everything on that wicket and made it really tough. 50 for five [India were 58 runs for the loss of five wickets] was a really good start.

On whether it was tricky for him as captain while using his bowling resources

We knew if we’d get one of those wickets between [MS] Dhoni or [Ravindra] Jadeja, then it’s a bit more of a tail. We were trying to get a wicket; but credit to those two, the way they played. It was a very good partnership and [they] got [India to] a competitive score.

On chasing 235 runs for victory

It was a good score. The way we started, it felt like a really good wicket and then it surprised us how much turn [it got] and skidded on. It was really tough conditions for us to play against. I was pleased we handled that well after resumption.

On Craig Kieswetter’s batting

Everyone in the batting order is playing well now. [It’s] slightly disappointing that no one got 80 not out which would have won us the game a bit more comfortably. But credit to the way Graeme Swann, Tim Bresnan and Stuart Broad really handled their nerve down the end of the road. So I am very happy.

On being 2-0 up in the series and hoping to finish it off at Lord’s

Yeah, hopefully.