India needs more than a series win to dethrone his side as the top Test cricket nation, according to Australian vice-captain Ricky Ponting.

The tourists will go into the Boxing Day Test at the MCG one-nil up in the four-match series and looking to become the first team to beat Australia in a Test series at home for a decade.

But Ponting was adamant when asked if the winner of the series would have the No.1 mantle.

"If we win it, yes - if India wins it, no," he replied.

"It's taken us a long time to be regarded as the best Test team in the world.

"It's going to take more than one side to beat us in a series for them to take that mantle away from us."

Indian captain Sourav Ganguly said on Sunday that his side was aiming for the No.1 spot, but sought to correct earlier reports that the tourists would have that honour with a series win.

It has been a rough few days for Australia since losing the Adelaide Test, with plenty of focus on a leaked letter from coach John Buchanan to the players.

Buchanan strongly criticised the team and said deal-making and sponsorships had become a distraction.

Ponting said Buchanan's comments would be discussed at a team meeting, with the Australian squad arriving for the Test.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP