Cook confident England can upset India: Final CT13

England captain Alastair Cook is confident his excited squad can pull off an upset and beat India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday. England have a poor record in ODI tournaments and Cook said he was aware of this piece of history. (Also Read: Preview: India vs England - Champions Trophy 2013 Final)

England have not won a major ODI title, losing three World Cup finals and the 2004 Champions Trophy final against the West Indies at home. (Also Read: Dhoni wary of ‘confident’ England)

"India are a very strong side. They are unbeaten and playing very good cricket. They are batting well at the top of the order and getting early wickets. They will go in as favourites," skipper Cook told the media persons ahead of Sunday's high-profile final against India.

"They're unbeaten aren't they, and played some very good cricket. We're happy with that. But our record against India last time we played them in England is a good record. So we can certainly take a lot from that", he said.

Excited to play in the final, he said, “But it's just a great place to play India here.  It's going to be a great crowd.  I think both sides will get some great support, and hopefully we can put a good show.”

While speaking about the fitness concerns with his players he said that Graeme Swann is recovering well and did take part in training today and bowled a few balls he is pushing close. And they will to have a look tomorrow. But, he won't be risked if there's a slight doubt. He also mentioned that Tim Bresnan is available for selection.

Speaking about the final and leading the team in major tournament, he said, “We have been playing a lot this summer, and we've been playing some good one-day cricket the last few games. It's a one off day. Whichever side plays the best on the day, and I am fully confident in our guys that we can upset India here tomorrow.”

Asked if he believes the current team has it in them to actually change the course of history, he replied, “Without a doubt.  That's why we're here.  That's why we are got to the final.  We've been playing some good cricket, and it's an opportunity we are desperate not to let go.  If it does, it does, and that can happen.  It's a one off game, and that's always exciting, isn't it, about an one‑day game in the final.  As I said a bit earlier, the lads are raring to go.  They're ready.  I've never seen them as relaxed as we have been actually leading up to a big game.  But I'm looking around in the guys' eyes and I know they're ready; they’re ready to play.

“It (winning the trophy) would be right up there.  It would be a great achievement if we can do that, if we can win, and one, which we will cherish.”

Asked about plans to counter Shikhar Dhawan who has been in tremendous form, Cook answered, "Yeah, obviously their top order have played very well. I think both top-orders have played well in this tournament and probably that's one of the reasons that we're in the final.

"Of course, we've got plans, you know? And we've also got very skillful new ball bowlers, as well. It's going to be a good contest out there, a contest in which if we want to win the game, we're going to have to try and get the best of them because we know how dangerous those guys at the top of the order can be."

sourceee:bcci.tv