Australia captain Michael Clarke rued his side's poor fielding in an enthralling four-wicket loss to India in the Commonwealth Bank Series clash at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
After winning the toss, Clarke elected to bat as Australia posted their highest score of the tri-series so far with 8-269 following an impressive maiden ODI half-century to debutant Peter Forrest (66), who combined for a 98-run partnership with veteran David Hussey (72).
Needing 270 for victory India reeled in total with two balls to spare after captain MS Dhoni (44 not out) blasted 13 off the last over - his efforts including a remarkable 112m six - to drag the visitors over the line at the death.
India's chase gained momentum early on courtesy of a batting masterclass from Gautam Gambhir who top scored with 92.
Despite almost snatching a late win, Australia was left to lament a sloppy display in the field with a number of fumbles, overthrows and missed chances.
Clarke said Australia's failure to execute and focus when fielding cost them dearly as they allowed India to run quick singles and pick up cheap runs.
"We were horrible in the field, very sloppy, and I don't think we executed our skills once again at the death," Clarke conceded.
"Our concentration let us down more than anything. If you looked at myself, Ricky Ponting and also Dave Warner, we fumbled a few balls."
"You can't blame anybody else when you are not performing as well you would like."
"We just have to make sure that we are concentrating and ready for every ball."
"We thought we had a great opportunity to win that game but we just weren't good enough ... we have no excuses for our performance."
"It just goes to show that we need to continue to try and improve and work hard at training ... and as I've said this whole series, we need to be at our best to beat Sri Lanka and India."
With six overs to bowl and India needing 48 for victory, Clarke opted to use Tasmanian spinner Xavier Doherty (2-51 from nine overs) and Victorian quick Clint McKay (2-53 from 9.4) to see out the match.
Using Doherty proved a wise decision by Clarke as the bowler - described by his skipper as an 'at-the-death specialist' – took two wickets to set up an enthralling finale.
However McKay, who had been Australia's best bowler all innings claiming a three-wicket haul, caved into the late drama as he was hammered for 23 runs, including 13 off the last over.
Clarke defended his decision, citing Doherty and McKay as the game's in-form bowlers.
"Starcy (Mitchell Starc) probably didn't have the greatest of days so I thought I'd stick with the two best bowlers on the day in Xavier and obviously Clint McKay as well," Clarke said.
"X (Doherty) in particular is a very good bowler, he bowls a lot in the powerplays and opens the bowling for Tasmania, so I always knew he could bowl at the death and do a good job."
"Its disappointing we didn't get over the line but sometimes you need that little kick up the backside to make you keep working hard."
Following a dazzling performance from Forrest, who in the process became the second Australian this summer following wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, to post a half-century on debut, Clarke had nothing but praise for the 26-year-old.
"Pete Forrest played really well and he showed that he's got a really good technique against both fast bowling and spin," Clarke said.
"He's made the most of his opportunity and he's pushing hard for selection again in the next game."
"He's done himself plenty of favours tonight."
Clarke clutched his right hamstring after pulling up short while fielding and will undergo a scan on Monday to determine the extent of the injury.