Ponting: We were second best

Ricky Ponting congratulates Anil Kumble as the spinner bows out from international cricket at Delhi

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Australia captain Ricky Ponting conceded that his team had been outplayed by India after surrendering the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and slipping to a 2-0 series defeat in Nagpur.

India sent the tourists crashing to a 172-run loss in the fourth Test to hand Australia a first series reverse since the 2005 Ashes.

Having drawn the first and third games and lost the second Test in Mohali, Ponting conceded his team had been bested by a superior team.

“From the first morning in Mohali, India have pretty much dominated and we have been chasing their tails," he said.

"They thoroughly deserve their 2-0 result. We weren't good enough in this game and we weren't good enough in Mohali and that's the 2-0 result."

Ponting said his team had paid the price for failing to convert opportunities in a final game which could have salvaged a draw for the world champions.

"We had our chances in this Test," he said. "India's tactics slowed us down dramatically on the third day. Looking back, its probably been a big turning point in the game.

"We were two down for 200 at close going into the third day and hoping we would get some sort of lead in our first innings which was pretty important here in India.

"But we were not able to do that.

"We were either not good enough or patient enough and at the end of the day that's one of the big turning points in this game."

Ponting was heavily criticised by the media in Australia and by several former players for using part-time spinners in a bid to boost sagging over rates despite having India on the mat at 166 for six at one stage.

Rather than use frontline bowlers Mitchell Johnson or Brett Lee, Ponting turned to the part-time spin of Michael Hussey and Cameron White allowing India to get themselves off the hook.

India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Harbhajan cracked half-centuries to put held India regain control.

"That partnership was pretty crucial as well," Ponting admitted.

"Harbhajan and Mahendra played very well there, but being nine overs down in a Test match doesn't help with what your trying to do with your bowlers at that stage I guess.

"We probably missed an opportunity there and we missed an opportunity in Bangalore as well where we failed to break a similar sort of partnership.

"Those opportunities don't present themselves very often in the subcontinent and when they do important that you take them."

Ponting's side had lacked the presence of a proven spinner - despite Jason Krezja’s impressive haul on debut - and several of his players came into the series with scant experience in the subcontinent.

But he insisted the experience gained would hold the players in good stead in later years.

"Obviously we are all learning. I'm still learning little things about the game and I've played 120 Test matches," he said.

"We have to bounce back and we are all looking forward to it."