James Taylor believes England passed a big test of character by seeing off India in a low-scoring clash at the WACA.

England set up a Tri-Series final against Australia with a three-wicket win but did not make life easy on themselves, collapsing to 66 for five in pursuit of 201.

Taylor's dogged 82 helped stabilise the ship, with Jos Buttler contributing an impressive 67 as the pair shared the only century stand of the game.

Neither man was able to see the job through but their work was critical as England crossed the line 19 balls early.

They will need a more complete performance to challenge Australia for the trophy on Sunday, but Taylor sees the battling manner of their success as proof of the side's mettle.

"In a perfect world it wouldn't have got that tight. Sixty for five isn't ideal but we showed some real character," he said.

"It's a great result for us. We definitely didn't play our best cricket with the bat but in a tough situation we showed the character to get through it and win the game."

Taylor's knock was predominantly a triumph of will power, with the number three hitting just four boundaries and scrapping hard for everything else.

It was not an innings to leave the purists purring but Taylor was proud to have made tough runs on a tricky pitch.

"I'm delighted to make a score in a pressure situation, that's what I pride myself on: finishing games and winning games," he said.

"The way I was playing until 60-odd for five...I was struggling myself.

"But I managed to get through that and work the ball around.

"I know my game extremely well now. I wasn't playing my best cricket but I did a job and that's what I do.

"It's not the prettiest but I like to think it's effective a lot of the time."