Ross Taylor admitted that the Virat Kohli led tourists have been too good in every department for the hosts and deserve to take an impregnable lead in the five-match ODI series. 

India again dominated the proceedings in Mount Maunganui as they bowled New Zealand out for just 243 runs before chasing the modest target down with seven wickets left. 

"It is tough to swallow 3-0 loss. But we have to give credit to the Indians. They have been far too good in all the three matches. India put us under pressure for a long period of time and got wickets at crucial times," Taylor was quoted saying during the post-match press conference on Monday, January 28. 

"India are a step up in opposition. They won key moments and put us under pressure. We could not just capitalise when we were on a semi-dominant position. We were three-four wickets down and 20 overs to go and long way behind the game. We fought hard today but that was not just enough."

The veteran middle-order bat, who struggled to get going against the spinners early on but eventually recovered and posted a fine 106-ball 93, said that his side will be striving hard to bounce back in the next two one-dayers. 

"There are two more matches to go. Even though the series is gone there is still a lot of pride in the team," Taylor added, "Hamilton (venue for fourth match) is a good hunting ground for us as a team."

"We have to get on to the business and hopefully we can bounce back in the last two matches. We need to play better in all facets of the game. Hopefully, we can get back some pride back in the last two matches."

"World Cup is not far way but still team combinations are to be sorted out. Obviously, new personnel coming in and hopefully, they can bring in a new edge to the team."

(Inputs from PTI)