There is extra satisfaction in playing a scratchy knock, in concentrating harder than usual, in pulling yourself back into form

Left to rummage through the remains of yet another overseas series squandered after a memorable comeback, Anil Kumble, India's captain, had few positives to pick out

Mahela Jayawardene acknowledged his team-mates' consistency after Sri Lanka won the third Test at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium to clinch their series against India by a 2-1 margin

The defeat ultimately came down to a batting line-up that couldn't pull its weight