Australia were coasting and are now hitting top gear in the VB tri-series finals against India, which they lead 1-0, opening batsman Matthew Hayden said on Saturday.

"We're on fire at the moment. We're just clicking as a group," the Test innings world record holder told reporters in Sydney.

"The rest of the summer we've been coasting a little bit. Not so much coasting, more just trying to get our skills right.

"Now we feel we're on top of our game plan. Everything's heightened towards the final."

Chasing 223, captain Ricky Ponting top-scored with 88 off 80 balls to lead Australia to an easy seven-wicket win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the first match of the best-of-three series on Friday.

The second final will be played in Sydney on Sunday with a third scheduled for Brisbane two days later if required.

Zimbabwe were the other team in the triangular series.

"With the momentum that we've got going in our favour, it's going to be very hard for them [India] to fight back," Ponting said.

Hayden added: "I think Australians love the big games.

"It's a great atmosphere, we've got everything to play for and that's why we're lifting."