Cook confirms there is no lack of self-belief about England's capabilities.
"Without a doubt - that's why we're here," said the captain. "That's why we've got to the final.
"We've been playing some good cricket, and it's an opportunity we're desperate not to let go."
To that end, he admits he and coach Ashley Giles may have a tricky decision on their hands if they have to pick between a fit Graeme Swann and in-form James Tredwell as their frontline spinner.
Asked that very question, the captain said: "I think we do, yes, if he [Swann] pulls up well tomorrow. But he won't be risked if there's a slight doubt."
Before either of the off-spinners enters the equation, however, England will be pinning their hopes on the new ball - and James Anderson, in particular - to make inroads into a powerhouse India batting line-up which has been so dominant over the past two-and-a-half weeks.
"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," said Cook, who concedes nonetheless that India's top three and their improving seam attack make for a potent combination.
"I think that's why they're probably the favourites and they haven't lost, because both the key aspects of their game are working really well.
"They're scoring runs at the top of the order and taking wickets with the new ball."
Cook's mission is to disrupt at least one of those components as his men seek to make history for English cricket.
