Australia came back from 1-0 down to win the finals series

"The way we've bounced back has been of the highest class," said Ponting

"It's satisfying after being tested and being 1-0 down to have played the cricket we have when it's counted."

Australian batsmen now occupy the top four slots in the ICC one-day international rankings - the first time one country has achieved the feat.

Adam Gilchrist retains top spot following his 122 in the deciding match, which Australia won by nine wickets.

We have copped some criticism but we can't be too sensitive about it and we came through it Adam Gilchrist

Ponting and Andrew Symonds, who scored tons in the second final, are second and third respectively.

And Michael Clarke, who racked up two fifties in the finals, occupies fourth place.

Gilchrist was pleased to silence critics of himself and the Australia team with a century in Brisbane and cement his place at the top of the list.

"We have copped some criticism but we can't be too sensitive about it and we came through it," he said.

"Halfway through the series we had certain journalists say neither he nor Simon Katich (who also hit a century in Brisbane) should be in the team.

"This win should free us up a bit. It's very satisfying to prove them wrong."

The highest-ranked Englishman in the batting list is Andrew Flintoff down in joint 12th.

Australia's Brett Lee loses top spot to South Africa's Shaun Pollock in the bowling rankings, while team-mate Glenn McGrath is third.

Steve Harmison holds England's highest ranking back in 10th.