Ponting claims he is still the man to lead Australia in Ashes

A defiant Ponting returned to Sydney a day after watching India take the Border-Gavaskar series 2-0 amid heavy criticism from former team-mate Shane Warne and former Australia paceman Geoff Lawson.

Warne questioned Ponting's field settings to off-spinner Nathan Hauritz, while Lawson called for the captain to hand the leadership to Michael Clarke for the Ashes series.

The Australians' world ranking has slipped to five after three consecutive Test losses – their worst run since 1988.

Asked if he was still the right man for the job, Ponting replied firmly: "Absolutely – I've got no doubt about that at all. I will give my absolute best as I always have since I've been the Australian captain... to be the best leader I can be and the best player I can be. I'm trying to do the best I can as captain to help some of these guys through some difficult times.

"If I get criticised along the way, I can't do anything about that."

Ponting admitted to being concerned at Australia's slide down the Test rankings, with Ashes holders England above them.

"We were always very proud of the fact we were the number one-ranked team in Test cricket and one-day cricket for such a long period of time," said Ponting. "Our Test form has not been as you would have liked. It's bad – no-one's proud of the fact we've lost three Test matches in a row.

"But I've got great confidence in all the players that will represent Australia this year."

Pace bowler Brett Lee has leapt to Ponting's defence and insisted the team will bounce back in the Ashes.

"What happens when you lose a Test match, the name that comes up first is the captain," said Lee, who has retired from Test cricket but still hopes to play in the shorter formats for his country.

"He's the one that shoulders the responsibility (for a loss). It's obviously disappointing but Australia have the chance to turn it around as a squad.

"When they have their backs against the wall is when they play their best cricket. I know the Australian side is so excited about the English coming out and I know they'll be eagerly doing their research and making sure they're ready to go.

"I think we'll get everything together and play some decent cricket."

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan hailed his side's character after they claimed a thrilling nine-run victory over New Zealand in the fourth one-day international to earn a 3-0 lead and their first series win against top-level opposition after setting a target of 242 in Mirpur.