Rahane admits 'England were just better than us'

England wrapped up the series with a Test to spare in Southampton following a Player of the Match display from Moeen Ali, in which he took nine wickets across the two innings. Despite having already lost the series, India could easily be ahead themselves having lost narrowly in both Nottingham and Southampton. Speaking to the media ahead of the final Test, Rahane conceded that England had been the more consistent side and that India will give it their all even though the series is already lost. He said: "We've played some good cricket but England have played better than us. In Test cricket you've got to give more than 100 per cent in each and every session. As I said, it's an important Test match coming up and we will give our best. "It's an important Test match. Every Test match is equally as important. Yes the series is 3-1, but we definitely want to do our best and finish on a winning note." The series has been notable for how difficult it has been for batsmen to construct big scores. Going into the last Test, Virat Kohli, with 544 runs has scored more than double the runs of any other batsman on either team. Rahane noted that although the series has been close, England have been the more consistent side, particularly with the ball. He said: "In Test cricket you have to look to win every single session but I don't think we've done much wrong. England have played better cricket than us, they've been consistent in their bowling. Patience is key in England whether you bat or bowl. You need to bowl in the same areas for a longer period of time or if you're a batsman you need to leave the ball for a longer period of time. England were just better than us." On whether this England team are capable of replicating their home achievements overseas, Rahane added: "Every team at home play really well. As I mentioned, England have played better cricket than us, especially in the bowling department. Both team's batsmen have struggled a lot, only Virat has batted really well. In their conditions they are a really good team, an experienced team with the likes of Anderson and Broad in their attack and Moeen bowled really well in the last game. I think they can do really well abroad as well but at home, every team is very strong. "