Australian captain Ricky Ponting [Images] and International Cricket Council World XI coach John Wright [Images] inspect the wicket at the Melbourne Telstra Dome on Wednesday in the lead-up to the Johnnie Walker ICC [Images] Super Series.

The wicket at the indoor cricket stadium is protected by the 'Igloo', which is used to condition the surface.

Melbourne will host the three one-day internationals of the Super Series on October 5, 7 and 9.

The six-day Test match will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting from October 14.

At the media conference after the inspection, Ricky Ponting said Australia were still the world's best side despite their recent Ashes series loss in England [Images] and will be out to justify his opinion in next month's Test and one-dayers against an ICC World XI.

"After the disappointment of the Ashes tour for us, this is our next chance to prove to ourselves and to everybody that we're a very good team," the Australian captain said.

"Let's not forget we're the number one-ranked side for a reason, and our performances over a long period of time have ensured that we were number one and still are number one," he said.

Earlier this month, England wrapped up a 2-1 Ashes victory over a heavily-favoured Australian side to give the hosts a first win in the series since 1986-87.

Photograph: Getty Images