Captain Alastair Cook emerged proud and pleased, after England ended their ODI series against India on a triumphant note.

Three-one down headed into the fifth and final match, the tourists orchestrated a reasonably comfortable seven-wicket win in Dharamsala to enjoy some closing consolation.

Opener Ian Bell was named Man of the Match for an outstanding 113, while seamer Tim Bresnan's four-wicket haul was key in restricting the Indians to a modest total of 226 all out.

Fast bowler Steven Finn, meanwhile, strung together a superbly economical spell - and batsman Joe Root weighed in with an important cameo of 31. Spinner James Tredwell was the series' top wicket-taker, thanks to 11 victims at the mere average of 18.18.

"Bell's ton was wonderful. It is easy sometimes to talk the talk but to go out there and do it like he did is something we can take a lot from. We've learned a lot about other players too. James Tredwell has had an outstanding series. He just gets on with his business and produces the goods," said Cook.

"Steven Finn has bowled well again and Joe Root, who wasn't in the original selection, has taken his chances very well. It has been a young squad out here and with the senior lads coming back now that adds a lot of competition for places.

"It was very important to end the series on a high but there's always disappointment when you come to try to win a series, then lose. We've had a really good couple of years in ODIs, so of course we're a little bit disappointed in the result of the series."

Fast bowler Stuart Broad, who had been sidelined by a heel injury, will join the squad ahead of their tour to New Zealand. Bresnan and spinner Danny Briggs, nursing respective elbow and ankle injuries, will go home to begin treatment and recuperation.