“It would not be wise to keep Pakistan out because it will have a bigger impact on other things,” Ponting said Tuesday, without elaborating. “The ICC should, however, thoroughly investigate the allegations.” Pakistan test captain Salman Butt and fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer were suspended and charged on Sept. 2 by cricket's governing body under its anti-corruption code. The three players were implicated in an undercover sting by a British newspaper over bowling no-balls at predetermined times for financial gain in the fourth test against England at Lord's last month.

Australia will warm up for two tests and three one-day internationals against India by playing a three-day warm up match from Saturday against an Indian Board President's XI.

Ponting said his players were particularly looking forward to the test series as it presented them with an opportunity to climb the ICC rankings. India is currently No. 1, while Australia is fourth.

“We have won here before and we can do it again,” Ponting said. “We will play hard to beat India and try to be No. 1 again.”