Ricky Ponting [Images] believes Australia are still the world's best side despite their recent Ashes series loss in England [Images] and they will be out to justify his view in next month's Test and one-dayers against an ICC [Images] 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 on Wednesday.

"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 told a news conference in Melbourne.

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.

Australia responded by dropping fast bowlers Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz and batsman Damien Martyn for the ICC-organised Rest of the World Challenge Series.

Influential England all rounder Andrew Flintoff [Images] will face the Australians again in the three one-day matches in Melbourne starting on October 4, before he is joined by team mate Steve Harmison for the October 14-19 Test in Sydney.

Batsman Kevin Pietersen [Images] will be England's other representative in the one-dayers.

Ponting said his team were eager to resume playing and that their cohesion should be an advantage over the World XI.

"After the disappointments of our last tour, we've come back and all copped a bit over the last few weeks. Cricket is our way to be able to show everybody that we are very good players," Ponting said.

"But the other thing we've got in our favour is we have a bit of a point to prove now as well after the last tour," he said.