Dravid's bowlers were unable to keep the lid on Australia

India captain Rahul Dravid blamed inexperience but says his side will learn from the Champions Trophy after crashing out to Australia on Sunday.

The home side lost by six wickets against an impressive Australian outfit who cruised to their target of 250.

"They played much better cricket than us," said Dravid. "They bowled quite well and chased that target with clinical professionalism.

"It's been a very good tournament for us to see where we are at."

India's defeat means there will be no team from the sub-continent in the last four of a major tournament for the first time since the 1975 World Cup.

There was a little bit of inexperience with our young bowlers who probably tried too hard India captain Rahul Dravid

And Dravid admitted it could be a wake-up call ahead of next year's World Cup.

"There are a lot of areas we can look at, and there is a lot of work to be done in the next few months," he said.

India got off to a promising start with Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag sharing a stand of 46.

Sehwag went on to top-score with 65 and Dravid hit 52 off 63 balls but India's progress was steady rather than spectacular, while Australia raced to 100 in the first 14 overs and then cruised home.

"We tried to keep wickets in hand until the end, but I think 250 was a good score," said Dravid.

"It was a good wicket - there was a bit of bounce and pace and a bit of turn for the spinners as well.

"We didn't bowl well up front in the first 15 overs and that cost us. There was a little bit of inexperience with our young bowlers who probably tried too hard and gave away too many loose balls.

"Australia got off to a good start and after that we were fighting with our backs to the wall."