"We have done that in the past," the ace leggie said on Tuesday. "What we need to do is match our intensity of the past. We must focus on our cricket and on how we play. In the last three or four years, we have travelled really well. We must ensure we do what we did during the periods when we have had success, to focus on those things and repeat them here.

"You can think about the past, but ultimately, you have to focus on what you can achieve in the future. We made 700 the last time we were here. So in that sense, we are looking forward to the challenge. We are disappointed we lost the first Test, but we have left that disappointment behind us."

Natural game

Kumble acknowledged that the team had discussed the importance of staying positive. "All the batters were uptight in the first Test. They needed to play their natural game. We have spoken to them. It has more to do with the thinking.

“It's all about being positive. We are motivated after what happened in Melbourne. We know the challenges that lie ahead, and we are keen to ensure a better performance."

Explaining the rationale behind two days off after Melbourne, the skipper pointed out, "I understand that it is important to switch off and think of positive things. Some people think it is important to be seen at the nets after losing a match because it might mean you are better prepared. But I don't think one more hit at nets will make you a better player, or one less hit will make you a worse player."

Refusing to throw light on the eleven, he did field questions on the possibility of Virender Sehwag getting a look-in. "He has looked good from whatever we have seen of him in the nets. His preparation has been good. In terms of his form, we are not too concerned that he hasn't made too many of late. He is in the scheme of things, and we will assess that as the evening goes on.

"He brings in an attacking, positive approach. Before he lost form and was made to sit out, Viru was a very important member of the team. He brings in a carefree attitude," the captain added. A hint there, perhaps?

Momentum

Kumble pointed out that the regular loss of wickets had prevented India from gaining any momentum in Melbourne. "If you keep losing wickets, it becomes difficult for batsmen coming in to play their shots and pick up the scoring rate.

“Whenever we had partnerships of even 40 or 50, the rate was fine. We must ensure that when we have partnerships, we make them count."

His take on the pitch? "They had sprinkled water just two minutes before I had a look! It looks a good surface, but as I have maintained, we need to take the pitch and the conditions out of the equation, not think too much about them."