India proved their No. 2 status: Ponting

“It was an enjoyable series, a hard-fought contest over the last one month. India played some very good cricket and proved that they are the No. 2 team in the world,” Ponting said.

Gilchrist, who hung up his gloves after the Test, said though his side had surrendered the Ashes to an England team in 2005, the Indian side under Kumble was second only to Australia.

“This team is right up there. Maybe we lost the Ashes in 2005 to an England side that was a terrific combination but this Indian side is even better,” Gilchrist said.

According to him, new crop of fast bowlers had lent balance to the Indian side, which looked formidable even when playing abroad.