Alastair Cook admits cricket bat frustration

England captain Alastair Cook has admitted to being disappointed by his side's performance with the cricket bat in last weekend's one-day international against Sri Lanka, which ended in a relatively comfortable defeat.

Speaking after the Sri Lankans successfully completed a run chase of 247 at Lord's, the Essex star suggested a below-par showing from England's top order had left them with an insufficient target to defend.

"I think we were about 30 or 40 runs light. It's been a tough day," he observed. "There are lots of areas we can improve on but we didn't get going at the top."

However, Cook rejected suggestions that the England line-up features too many conservative batsmen and defended Jonathan Trott's record in the 50-over form of the game.

Last week, it was revealed that the 26-year-old is to lead the one-day team in a five-match series against India in October, with a Twenty20 international in Kolkata to follow.