India's performance in recent times has been creditable but the real challenge will now be to maintain their consistency, according to West Indian great Brian Lara [Images], who lauded the leadership skills of Anil Kumble [Images] and Mahendra Singh Dhoni [Images].

The West Indian legend said defeating Australia on their home soil was remarkable but India will have to prepare themselves for a backlash from the World Champions, who will look to return stronger and avenge the defeat.

"It's really good for India to beat Australia in Australia despite having a new captain leading in Tests and one-dayers. But Australia is going to come stronger and look for revenge. Hard work is going to start now," Lara said.

"Anil (Kumble) and (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni have done well but they will have to be on guard and not be complacent with the one-day tri-series win. They have to maintain the consistency," he said on the sidelines of a promotional function at a Delhi hotel.

India had defeated Australia 2-0 in the recently concluded best-of-three tri-series final, ending their ill-tempered tour Down Under on a positive note.

On Sachin Tendulkar's [Images] electrifying performance in the two finals, Lara said there was never any doubt about the master batsman's calibre but former Australian coach John Buchanan had provoked the Indian before the series.

"I have said it many times that he is a great player. I don't want to repeat it. But (John) Buchanan made a mistake by lighting up fire under Sachin before the start of the series," he said.