LONDON (Reuters) - Captain Rahul Dravid heaped praise on Indian youngster Robin Uthappa after a thrilling two-wicket victory over England in a one-dayer yesterday.

The 21-year-old Uthappa, called in to replace Dinesh Karthik, scored an unbeaten 47 to lead India to a daunting target of 317 with two balls to spare after Sachin Tendulkar had earlier fallen six runs short of his century.

The seven-match series will now be decided in the final encounter at Lord's on Saturday.

"We were struggling but Robin finished it off for us," a delighted Dravid told the BBC. "Any time you chase 300-plus is always going to be a test but the young boys set up a brilliant victory for us.

"I've never seen Robin bat at seven before. He's got a good cricketing brain. He's improving all the time and working very hard in nets.

"Watching him he's begging to be picked. The way he managed the chase was very good."

Uthappa also ran out England debutant Luke Wright with a superb piece of fielding.

England skipper Collingwood added: "It was a shame to lose but congratulations to India, they played a great game."