Ponting wants more

Ricky Ponting demands high standards © Getty Images

Australia captain Ricky Ponting has called for a vast improvement from his team after the world champions were comprehensively outplayed by India in the first Commonwealth Bank Series final in Sydney on Sunday.

The tourists cruised to a six-wicket win on the back of a brilliant unbeaten Sachin Tendulkar century and can secure outright victory in the best-of-three final at the second match in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Tendulkar's masterly 117 - his 42nd ODI ton - came off just 120 deliveries and included 10 boundaries.

The veteran opener was ably supported by 20-year-old Rohit Sharma, who hit a brisk 66 off 87 balls as India reached their victory target of 240 inside 46 overs.

Matthew Hayden's typically bullish 82 was as good as it got for the off-key Australians, and Ponting was quick to make his feelings known at the end of the match.

"The bottom line was we didn't get enough runs and we didn't bowl well enough and we didn't field well enough," he admitted.

"Finals games are the ones we really pride ourselves on - the bigger occasions - and tonight we came up short and India played very well.

"India certainly outplayed us in most areas and well done to them.

"All of us individually have to go away and think about where we went wrong in this game and look at areas we can improve.

"I've already spoken to the guys about that and I'm expecting a better performance from us on Tuesday.

"India have got their noses in front and we've got a lot of work to do. We're going to have to lift ourselves even more than we did today for Tuesday's game.

Sachin Tendulkar was at his best during his hundred

"That's the challenge that lies ahead of us."

After congratulating India on the manner of their victory, Ponting warned the tourists to expect a backlash at the Gabba.

"The resilience of our team is unquestionable," he continued.

"We've been in this position before and we pride ourselves on the way we play in finals and I think you can expect us to bounce back pretty quickly."

Tendulkar also expects the hosts to hit back after the disappointment of defeat.

"To beat them is extremely important and now we have to beat them a second time," he said.

"Australia will be very determined to take the series to a third game but hopefully we can get the job done again.

"It won't be easy but we have shown that we can do it."

Tendulkar added that his fourth-wicket stand with Sharma had been the key to victory.

The duo frustrated the Australian attack for more than 20 overs to lead the tourists from 87 for three to 210 before the youngster's innings came to an end just a few overs after he had registered his half-century from 70 balls.

Tendulkar said: "It was a terrific effort by the whole team, but I thought Rohit Sharma really batted well and my partnership with him was extremely crucial. Full marks to him.

"He has a terrific head on his shoulders. Today I batted with him for the first time in a long time and it was terrific to bat along with him. He has a terrific future."