Anil Kumble must keep his team focussed for the third Test

TEAM India is making it a habit of striking back with a vengeance. They did just that with their 170-run win over Sri Lanka in Galle on Sunday. Yes, there is a tigerish streak in Anil Kumble's team.

The series (1-1) will climax in Colombo in the third Test starting on Friday.

India were in a similar position on their 2001 tour to Sri Lanka. After the hosts claimed first Test honours, Sourav Ganguly's men balanced the scoreline in Kandy, but lost the third and final Test in Colombo by an innings and 77 runs. The batting that did not have the services of injured Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman collapsed. Probably, complacency set in too. History tells us that lessons can be learnt, and well.

Back in 1972-73, Tony Greig was part of an England team that beat a powerful Indian team in the opening Test in Delhi only to lose the next two. A series win for India followed which cut the young Greig deep in his first overseas Test series.

He came to India on England's next tour as captain and after winning the first Test, he vowed not to let the intensity drop just like it did in 1972-73. He delivered a knockout punch on Christmas Day 1976 by castigating his team for their indiscipline; something which made manager Ken Barrington say, "I've heard some strong talks before. But that one beat the lot."

There were no New Year's celebrations on the eve of the Calcutta Test. Here's what he wrote in his book My Story (published by Stanley Paul in 1980): "New Year's eve 1976: Relief and anticipation are fighting for prominence in my mind tonight.

"The relief is provided by the justification of my shock tactics on Christmas night; the anticipation by the imminence of the crunch. The Calcutta Test begins tomorrow. The team is picked. The final net preparations are complete. The pre-Test dinner is over. Tonight is New Year's Eve, but no time for revels. Tomorrow is far too important."

England went on to win that series 3-1, only their second series victory in India since 1933-34.
Greig is a huge admirer of Sri Lankan cricket but even he would be forced to break into his famous 'they-would-be-dancing-in-the-aisles' commentary line if India do the incredible next week.