Graeme Swann made a strong case for future inclusion with an economical performance in the third one day international against India.

India took command of the series with a third successive victory but England will take heart from the performances of opening batsmen Ravi Bopara and Ian Bell who scored 60 and 46.

Andrew Flintoff returned 3-31 and Swann recorded figures of 1-47 from ten overs but bad light ended the game with India 16 runs ahead on Duckworth-Lewis.

"We had a real good chance of finishing on top - some of our batters got in but it would have been nice to see them get a hundred," added Pietersen, who saw his openers Ravi Bopra and Ian Bell score 60 and 46.

"My biggest thing for playing for England is you play for the badge and you play hard at all times - today we showed we had a real good go at it.

"We're getting better and the games are getting closer. There are still four games to go - so you never know."