After being totally outplayed in the first four ODIs of the seven-match series against India, England must now play for pride as they attempt to avoid a humiliating series whitewash.

With so much International cricket played these days, and with such packed schedules, it is easy to overlook the fact that last time England toured India two and a half years ago, they found themselves in an identical situation, 4-0 down with three to play.

In 2006 England managed to avoid the series whitewash without having to take the field as the fifth ODI in Guwahati was abandoned due to rain. Having escaped the embarrassment of a clean sweep in a rather fortunate manner, England's next objective was to ensure that they register their first win of the series.

India and England arrived in Jamshedpur for the sixth ODI of the series, with India looking to regain the momentum that saw them win the series with the minimum of fuss.

Rahul Dravid won the toss and elected to bat first. MS Dhoni was promoted to open the innings, as India were clearly looking to post an imposing total and the experiment with Dhoni opening the batting paid off as the wicket-keeper hit a rapid 96. However, the rest of the Indian batting line up failed to cope with some very hostile and accurate bowler's as the home side were bowled out for a modest total of 223. Finally it appeared as though England were in a position of authority in an ODI in this series.

England duly knocked off the runs they required for victories with seven and a half overs to spare, to earn their only win of the ODI series and regain a modicum of pride.

Normal service was resumed in the final game of the series, as India chased down 288 with ease to win by seven wickets and claim the series by five matches to one.

As England prepare to face a rampant India in the fifth ODI in Guwahati, unlike two years ago the forecast for the fixture on this occasion appears to be bright, all of which means that if England are to avoid a humiliating whitewash, they are going to have to do it with bat an ball rather than rely on the elements.

Many pundits believe that England will pull back a couple of games in this series, but ODIs are not handed out on a platter, as even if India do play some inexperienced players as Dhoni indicated will be the case, England will have to be on top of their game to prevent the clean sweep because in this series India have demonstrated that like the Australians at their best, they are a team littered with match winners, and no matter what the situation they will somehow find a way to be on top.

The second ODI was a case in point as India were 29 for three and staring down the barrel, but still found a way to post a formidable total of 292.

England have opted not to have a practice session ahead of tomorrow's game instead, having a series of team meetings discussing how they can stop the Indian juggernaut. One suspects that some of the England players and back room staff will be secretly hoping that the forecasters are wrong, and that the fifth ODI in Guwahati is washed out just like it was in 2006.