Criticism inspired us to win, says Ponting

Melbourne:

The criticism which was thrown at us in the middle of the second Test gave us the fighting spirit and inspired us to the sensational 36-run win over Pakistan at the SCG, said Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

Ponting drew severe flak from all quarters after Australia collapsed for 127 in their first innings at a green top SCG following his decision to bat first after winning the toss.

But Ponting said it was the severe criticism that had inspired his boys to go for the kill against Pakistan.

"It comes down to results and we've got a great result here, so I look like a genius where I didn't a couple of days ago," Ponting was quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph.

"I don't think anyone in the world, other than the blokes inside our dressing room, thought we could win. What we've read over the last couple of days and what we've heard and seen on the news has probably just steeled us all a little bit.

"It made us want to fight the game out as much as we can and prove that we are never out of the contest. The character that has been shown over the last couple of days has been terrific and I'm really proud of the guys for doing what they've done. I am glad I haven't got a heart- rate monitor on because it would have gone through the roof," he said.

The Aussie skipper said his decision to bat first was prompted by visiting team's dubious record while batting last at the SCG pitch.

"Being a top-order batter the easy thing for me to do the other day would have been to bowl first."

"But I'm trying to do the right thing all the time by the team. We've seen other very good teams and very experienced batting teams come here, particularly at the SCG, and try to chase runs on the last day and not be able to get there," he said.

Australia have already wrapped up the series against Pakistan 2-0 before heading to Hobart for the final Test next week.