India, last year's losing World Cup finalists and still rated by England captain Michael Vaughan as the "second best one-day side in the world", were bowled out for just 170, with debutant paceman Alex Wharf taking three for 30.

Wednesday's result left India, co-holders of the ICC Champions Trophy which starts in England next week, 1-0 down in the three-match series and with little time to turn things around before Friday's second game at The Oval.

"I'll find out how good a captain I am in the next four or five months" Ganguly told reporters after England won with more than 17 overs to spare. "We've lost our last four or five games. Things are easy when you are winning."

But the left-handed batsman stressed there would be no panic measures, saying his backing for his side was not just a matter of blind faith. "It's based on results. These players have shown they can win games."

This was a second heavy reverse in as many matches after a 66-run defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Netherlands during last month's triangular event also featuring world champions Australia.

In both matches India were without Sachin Tendulkar, the star batsman struggling with an elbow injury that officials have said will rule him out of the remainder of the England series.

But Ganguly insisted: "Sachin should be fit for the Champions Trophy." In the meantime he stressed the need to keep plugging away.

"England played better than us in all aspects. But England failed to qualify for the final of their NatWest Series against New Zealand and the West Indies. This is something that happens to all teams in cricket."

England's successful chase was anchored by recalled India-born batsman Vikram Solanki, who made 52.

The 28-year-old Worcestershire opener was playing his first one-day international since being dropped after making just 11 runs in three innings during England's tour of Bangladesh last year.

But Solanki, fresh from making a century in last Saturday's domestic C and G Trophy final against Worcestershire at Lord's, looked a rejuvenated player at Trent Bridge.

"It was great to start with a win and to contribute to it was even more pleasing," said Solanki.

He added he owed his recall to several factors. "After the disappointment of Bangladesh and getting left out I had to address a few matters. I put into practice what I've worked at in county cricket.

"Most of the work I've done technically is with Tom Moody (Worcestershire coach and former Australia all-rounder).

Solanki was born in Udaipur before moving with his family to England as an eight-year-old.

Wednesday's match saw the majority of fans in the 15,000 capacity crowd cheering for India, even though most of them would have been based, if not born, in England.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain, himself Indian-born, has called on England-born Asians to support England rather than say India or Pakistan.

But Solanki said: "Everybody is entitled to their opinion. As far as I'm concerned I've been fortunate enough to be picked for England and I play for England.

"Obviously, I'd hope for a great deal more support for England. It would be great if all those people cheering for India were cheering for England, I don't hide from that fact. But that's their opinion."