Ricky Ponting insisted Australia was still the world's number one side despite a humiliating Test series loss to India.

Ponting, who came under severe criticism for his leadership role in the just-concluded 0-2 Test series defeat against India, vowed Australia would continue to be a positive and aggressive side.

"Becoming the number one team in the world doesn't happen overnight. We built up a reputation and a style of play and had a number of series wins around the world that have given us that mantle. I think it would be a bit harsh after one series loss to be not considered the number one side in the world," Ponting was quoted as saying in 'The Australian'.

Ponting said Australia would come back strongly in the upcoming series against New Zealand starting November 17.

"I will continue to be a ruthless captain and a ruthless player and I would expect that my team-mates would be in the same boat. And if they are not now, after having lost a Test series in India 0-2 then we'll have to look around for some other guys.

"I am confident that we can hit the ground running in Brisbane (against New Zealand) and play some of the best Test cricket that we have seen for a while."