Adelaide: Australia skipper Michael Clarke said on Saturday, that defeats against South Africa and New Zealand inspired him and his team to bounce back and return to winning ways. Australia beat India in the final Test to claim the series 4-0.

The 30-year-old batsman said that the series has been tougher than the outcome suggests but that his team also showed that they can climb up in the rankings. "The loss in South Africa and New Zealand inspired us. I hate to say it but you need to have days where you go down so that you know how great it is to win. We went through the same pain that India is feeling right now 12 months ago, we lost the Ashes. It's really nice to be on the other side of the fence today." he said.

Clarke was appreciative of how the players in the Australian side have shown their worth in Test cricket. "We are 4 in the world. We are getting better everyday that is pleasing. All the guys here can play Test cricket."

Ponting also got a special mention from his skipper. "Now we're saying he's batting as good as he's ever batted. When you're not performing, you need to hang in there," he said of the veteran and how he was an example worth emulating.