India v England: Too early to judge ODI improvement, says Cook

Alastair Cook says England must wait until their one-day international series with India ends before judging their progress in the 50-over game.

England go into Tuesday's match in Kochi with a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after a nine-run win in Rajkot.

They are aiming to clinch their first ODI series win in India since 1984-85.

But captain Cook told BBC Sport: "The guys have improved but we will have a slightly clearer indication of that towards the end of the series."

Batsman Joe Root was a surprise success with the ball in the victory in Rajkot.

England lost 5-0 on their last visit to India for a one-day series in 2011.

Cook added: "This is a similar side to the personnel we had in 2011.

"It will be a marker to see if we have improved as players, as individuals and, more importantly, as a team."

England were helped to victory in Rajkot by 21-year-old ODI debutant Joe Root, who was picked for his batting but impressed with the ball, bowling nine overs for 51 runs.

Cook said: "He impressed me hugely having to handle that situation on debut - especially as a part-time bowler.

"You always hope to get a few overs out of him but to get nine like we did was very encouraging.

"He has all the right attributes. He works hard and most importantly he has a very good temperament for international cricket.

"He looks a fine prospect. But let's not build him up too much. He has a lot of work to do but he knows that better than anyone."

We are using archive pictures for this series because several photo agencies, including Getty Images, have been barred from the ground following a dispute with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, while other agencies have withdrawn their photographers in protest.