England captain Alastair Cook insisted his side were “ready” to make history by beating world champions India in Sunday’s Champions Trophy final at Edgbaston.
England have never won a major one-day international (ODI) title, losing the 1979, 1987 and 1992 World Cup finals — all featuring Cook’s mentor Graham Gooch — as well as going down at home to the West Indies in the 2004 Champions Trophy final at The Oval.
But, ahead of England’s defence of the Ashes, which starts next month, Cook said winning the Champions Trophy will be “right up there”. “The lads are raring to go,” Cook told reporters at Edgbaston on Saturday. “I’ve never seen them as relaxed as we have been leading up to a big game. But I’m looking around in the guys’ eyes and I know they’re ready to play.
“There’s certain moments in your career where you remember more than others, and if we can win this tomorrow (Sunday) then I think that would be right up there,” added the 28-year-old left-handed opener, who averages nearly 50 in Test cricket and almost 40 in ODIs.
India have so far won all their matches this tournament, whereas England suffered a group stage loss to Sri Lanka.
“They’re unbeaten and have played some very good cricket. But our record against India last time we played them in England is a good record,” said Cook.
An England attack led by swing specialist James Anderson has proved highly effective and Cook said: “We’ve got very skillful new-ball bowlers.
“If you do take some early wickets and put some pressure on their middle order who haven’t batted so much, that could work well for us.”
However, India pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma have also been in fine form. “I think that’s why they’re probably the favourites. They’re scoring runs at the top and taking wickets with the new ball,” Cook said.