INDIA GEARING UP FOR THE FINAL-IT'S ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY:-
  Ever since India played their first Test match in June 1932, the English summer has always been a landmark period for Indian cricket. Team Dhoni stands in the cusp of history as India face England in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy here on Sunday. In a contest where the exuberance of youth will lock horns with the fineness of tradition, the Three Lions will be gunning for their first major 50-over international title in their own lair.

England, bidding for a first major one-day international title, looked in fine form in defeating South Africa by seven wickets at The Oval in Wednesday's first semi-final.

"I think they are a very good side, like each and every side when it comes to the Champions Trophy, which means all of them are strong enough to beat anyone on that particular day and win the trophy," Dhoni said.

"England are a very good side. We have played quite often in the last couple of years so we know the same amount about them and they know the same about us," added Dhoni, whose side have eight of their last 10 one-dayers against England, albeit all those matches were in India.

But Sharma, asked if an England top order including captain Alastair Cook, Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott, known collectively for solid rather than spectacular run-making, was the most dangerous India had faced in this competition, replied: "I don't think so.

"If you are bowling in a good area no batsmen will enjoy playing you, that is what we have been doing in the last five games and we will do the same thing in the final.

"We have played good cricket until now, we don't need to change anything. We will stick to the patterns and our strengths and we will keep doing the same thing in the final."

Sri Lanka skipper Mathews said the toss had been vital.

"It was a bad day at the office, the toss was vital I thought," he said.

"The wicket was swinging and seaming so the batters were finding it hard to time the ball, especially with the two new balls. It was not coming on; it was a bit two-paced and there was a bit of lateral movement.

"It got a bit easier but I thought 182 was just below par. With the Indian batting line-up at least 250 would have been a good score on that.

"We are disappointed and the whole nation is disappointed, but I'm also sure the whole nation and the team is also quite happy that we reached the semi-finals, because it's the best eight teams and we competed against the best.

"Unfortunately once again we choked in the semi-finals against India."

Asked to pick a winner, Mathews said the final was too close to call.

"That's a toughie. Both teams are quite even and on that day whoever does less mistakes will win the game," he said.

Meanwhile Mathews insisted he was not worried by two incidents of anti-Sri Lankan government demonstrators invading the pitch.

"I was not really concerned. We as cricketers are not really bothered about what is happening around," he said.

"I think it was unfortunate there was a reaction today after the Oval game (Sri Lanka beat Australia at the London ground on Monday), but I can't really comment," Mathews added.