Finally, someone woke up the big guns. Over the past couple of weeks, I have been waiting for the Indians to show their true colours. On Sunday, they didn?t let anyone down. Led by their inspiration, Sachin Tendulkar, India produced the type of game we have come to expect from them. Sachin was magnificent. Obviously, still troubled by that back complaint, the Indian captain led by example to set the scene for an excellent batting display. The Indians did some soul-searching over the past few days and looked a far better side. The change in tactics brought instant success. Moving Sourav Ganguly down to number four was a masterstroke. He had been struggling at the top of the order and relished his role coming in after a brilliant opening stand between Tendulkar and Ramesh. Over the years that I have been playing and watching cricket, I can?t recall a player who times the ball as sweetly or punishes the spinners with such disdain as Ganguly. It?s majestic the way he advances to hit the ball down the ground, invariably high over the ropes for six. The man Indians would now want to improve is Dravid. He is a class act, but is going through a tough period. I?m sure he will be okay. One area of concern is Sachin Tendulkar?s back. On several occasions Sunday, he appeared to wince in pain after completing a shot. I think I am speaking on behalf of the entire cricketing world when I wish that there are no long-term problems and that Sachin can continue playing for many years to come. The Sri Lankans played their role well in the last league encounter. Set the daunting task of scoring 271 off 42 overs, after rain further intensified their chase, the Lankans did a sterling job to qualify for the final against Australia. It was a day for captains to lead the charge and Sanath Jayasuriya was superb in his efforts to get Sri Lanka off to the required start so as to give them a good chance of overhauling India?s imposing 296 for four. Jayasuriya once again showed how dangerous he can be if given room outside his off stump. One shot sticks out. When Srinath, bowling around the wicket, dropped a little short, Sanath flayed the delivery high and hard over backward-point for six ? a truly amazing shot among many. When he was finally out for 70, Sri Lanka were well on their way to the required target. The final is now between the hosts, who have shown some improvement, and the rampant Australians who are on the threshold of a world record for the most successive one-day games without a loss. Sri Lanka will have to be on song in a couple of areas. Chaminda Vaas has been far too expensive in his opening overs. I?m sure Dav Whatmore, the Sri Lankan coach, has something up his sleeve as far as tactics are concerned. He will have noticed how his spinners were able to tie down the Australian middle-order in their previous encounter and maybe he, with Sanath Jayasuriya, will spring a surprise and open the bowling with Murali or even the captain himself. It would be a bold move, but given the explosive starts that Gilchrist and Mark Waugh have given the Aussies in this tournament, it may be the move that produces an upset. The Australians are looking really good for a triumph. The fast bowling has been the key, with Jason Gillespie leading the way. And Glenn McGrath always seems to produce the goods in big games. Given good conditions, I expect the Australians to bat first if they win the toss and defend their total. This may be a good tactic for the Lankans to follow. All in all, it should be a cracking match. PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT GROUP