India coach John Wright has asked his players to learn from their World Cup conquerors Australia to become a more competitive unit.

"We couldn't find too many answers against Australia," he told reporters on Monday, a day after India's 125-run defeat against champions Australia in the final at The Wanderers.

India went into the final with eight consecutive victories, but were outplayed after an insipid bowling display.

Australia also crushed India by nine wickets in the first round.

Wright said: "I am disappointed because we felt if we played to our potential we stood a chance."

"The boys have done very well. We have beaten every other side apart from Australia. There haven't been too many close matches."

He felt players such as left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan, who conceded 15 runs in his opening over, had been nervous going into the final.

"We are a young side and a lot of these players are going to be around for many more World Cups. We have the makings of a very good one-day team."

DEFENDS GANGULY

Wright defended Ganguly's decision to bowl first in the final, although it backfired with Australia amassing 359 for two with captain Ricky Ponting lashing 140 not out.

"There was a lot on that pitch and getting an early wicket was the key against Australia," he said. "We didn't achieve that but I have no regrets at all. I back him all the way."

He said India could still take pride at their World Cup showing.

Wright said: "We played three and one (spinner) which worked and then the batting came right. The boys showed a lot of character and I hope they get the credit they deserve from their fans."

The pace trio of Khan, Ashish Nehra and Javagal Srinath shared 49 wickets while Sachin Tendulkar finished as the player of the tournament after scoring a record 673 runs.

AUSTRALIAN LESSONS

Wright said India could learn from Australia to maintain their improvement.

"This team still has a long way to go," he said. "We must look at what we do well and where we can improve.

"That is where we can learn more from Australia than anyone."

Wright said India, who have not won a Test series outside south Asia since 1986, needed to add more depth to their fast bowling department and find durable Test openers.

"You could see the impact of having three quality seamers and the difference it makes when you are in countries like South Africa or Australia."