Rising

Former Australia captain Allan Border admits the hosts need to improve quickly if they are to force the Commonwealth Bank Series final against India into a third and decisive game.

Sachin Tendulkar's sublime unbeaten century led India to a thrilling six-wicket victory over Australia in the opening match of the final at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Border reckons the quality of cricket produced by Australia and India of late has been exceptional, but acknowledges the home side now need to raise their game for the second match at the Gabba on Tuesday.

"I think they (the Australia batsmen) would openly admit that they've had better outings in recent times but they're all quality players and you expect them to rise at the right times - and they need to very quickly in Brisbane," he said.

"The top order's misfiring but I thought the bowling and fielding last night were very good but they ran into a pretty good performance from Tendulkar.

"As we all know, one-day cricket can easily go pear-shaped and you've got to be right on the ball.

"And India are a very good side - that's the bottom line and they proved it last night. They're very feisty customers and Australia have got to be at their best."

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