Paul Collingwood batted well for 64 during England's innings

Opener Strauss led the side for the second successive game as Andrew Flintoff was given an extended break.

But he could not guide them to a repeat of Wednesday's win at Jamshedpur as India chased down a target of 289.

"There's a lot of talent in our dressing room and it's just a question of harnessing it," said Strauss.

"We've made some improvements, definitely, some guys have really come to the party. And I think we've learnt a little bit from India, the way they chased some of those scores."

It's a great feeling to be part of a winning side Sri Sreesanth India reaction

Strauss was satisfied with England's batting performance in the final match as half centuries by Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and Geraint Jones saw them make 288 all out.

"We got ourselves in a pretty good position with the bat, probably could have got 15 or 20 runs more - that would have made it a very tight game - but all credit to India.

"When you chase 290, that's a good effort at any time and I thought they played exceptionally well.

For all the criticism of England's bowlers in this series, it is surely the batsmen who must hang their head in shame From A Have your say on TMS

"There was a little bit in it for the bowlers early on but it was a really good wicket to bat on. My bowlers made a really great effort in the circumstances but India were just too good for us non the day, I'm afraid," he said.

England went into the series without five key players - regular skipper Michael Vaughan, opener Marcus Trescothick, pacemen Steve Harmison and Simon Jones, and spinner Ashley Giles.

But Strauss refused to use that as an excuse for the result.

"The most important thing is that you have a strong squad and a lot of guys have gained some important experience out here," the Middlesex batsman commented.