There was a nasty touch of deja vu as Alastair Cook sought to explain a horrendous performance by his England team. Once again he found himself having to address a defeat – by a mighty 133 runs – as well as defending his place in the side. He had hoped that scenario might change after the Test series against India had come to such a satisfactory conclusion.

“We weren’t at the races today and I don’t quite know why,” Cook said. “It was not a 300-wicket [India’s score]; nor was it a 160-wicket [England’s score]. It’s not the end of the world but it is frustrating. You can’t win every game of cricket, certainly not when you play like that. We will just have to dust ourselves off and play better.”

So far, so predictable. Cook was then asked about the retired off-spinner Graeme Swann’s comment that he should not be in England’s one-day team, which came in a Test Match Special discussion in the rain at Bristol. In the summer Cook received much criticism from another recently retired spinner of note, Shane Warne. But he was understandably more taken aback by Swann’s observations. As his captain, Cook had been supportive of Swann when he suddenly retired in the middle of the Ashes series last winter, and these two have always been mates.

“His remarks were not that helpful – especially from a so-called friend – but he’s entitled to his opinion,” said an unsmiling Cook. “But it’s not ideal for me, especially after getting through the summer I’ve had. I have not spoken to him about it. The phone is always open the other way. It’s a little bit disappointing.

“He’s a good friend and has been a supporter and it’s not helpful at this time because I am going to go and captain in this World Cup. We’re going to build up to that and we’ve got a good chance although obviously if we play like that we aren’t going to win many games of cricket.”

Cook lamented the number of extras conceded by wanton bowlers; he calculated that these transgressions cost his side about 40 runs. And he highlighted the handy bowling of Chris Woakes, who took two for eight in his opening spell, the encouraging debut of Alex Hales and another canny performance by James Tredwell. But he did not leave the Swalec Stadium a happy man.