Australian captain Ricky Ponting [ Images ] and International Cricket Council [ Images ] World XI coach John Wright [ Images ] inspect the wicket at the Melbourne [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] Cricket Ground, starting from October 14.

At the media conference after the inspection, Ricky Ponting said Australia [ Images ] 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