It is about time for Sachin to get his century...

This is it. This is what one of the most exciting cricketing summers has lead up to. The final showdown between India and England at the legendary ground of Lord's. With less than 3 hours to go before the game begins everyone finds themselves on the edge of their seats.

India and England have over the course of the series demonstrated how evenly matched they are. If the tests were a showcasing of the Indian side's mastery of the 5 day game, the ODI's have not projected any clear winners. Neither team has completely dominated the field. A week ago no one could be blamed for thinking that England had pretty much swept India out of the series. A little bit of luck combined with some commanding performances had put England in the drivers seat. Who knew that India was planning on crashing the England party...and how! Their backs were against the wall, they were in a do or die situation, they had to win at least two back to back matches to stay in the series, and we all know how India wilt under pressure. But turns out that this Indian team did not get the memo. For this time they did not wilt under pressure, they actually thrived under it. Each and every player contributed with the bat, the ball and in the field.

The first signs that India would not be following the usual script came at Leeds where India displayed some amazing teamwork, while Sachin and Sourav shone brightly, as India fought its way back into the series. If this be Sachin and Sourav's swan song, what a magnificent tune! Next came the gloriousness that was The Oval. In a match that saw more than 600 runs being scored, India came out on top with match winning performances from the (as I like to call them) 'old boys' club of team India, Sachin and Sourav. Not to mention a positively steely innings from the newest blue on the block, Robin Utthapa (or as Michael Atherton called him "Uttha-pa-tta"!). He came in when India needed 82 runs from 54 balls at a run rate of 9.11, Enough to shaken any player let alone a wee lad of 21 years. Undaunted he batted consistently, in face of some of the best bowling that England had in its aresenal. And when India needed 8 runs from four balls, he smartly executed two fours to lead India into the final at Lords.

Kapil Dev is right, regardless of who wins this series the true winner this summer has been cricket. So the stage is set for a nail biting finish to a great summer of cricket. India seems to have all the momentum, but are also known to lose their cool in big match situations. Both teams have everything to lose, making for a great on-field dynamic. England will throw everything they have at India. An in-form Kevin Pieterson, great fielding, confident newbies, home ground advantage, it won't be easy for the boys in blue. Let's leave it all out in the field boys and make it a match to remember!