Ricky Ponting's motley crew claim remarkbale win amid chaos of injuries

What began as a series of questionable meaning will go down as one of the bravest 50-over chapters of Australian cricket history.

Captain Ricky Ponting began the series in India unsure what he could take from another seven-match series, particularly after the 6-1 drubbing of England, which took place amid widespread public apathy.

But as the injury toll mounted and the number of new faces grew - five reinforcements were called upon in addition to the players already on tour because of injuries - Ponting found the context he was looking for.

Doug Bollinger, Graham Manou, Clint McKay and Adam Voges - hardly household names - all played vital roles at various times, while others like Jon Holland and Burt Cockley were given their first glimpse of the national team.

"It gained meaning when we had newer, fresher faces around," Ponting said after Australia's six-wicket win in Guwahati clinched the series with one match to spare.

"It was a real challenge for all of us to find ways and means of winning games.

"We knew what we had ahead of us for a long time, looking right back to the start of the England tour we knew we had four months on the road there, the Champions Trophy then straight here.

"We have actually done the best we possibly could to keep in the best shape possible.

"It's well-documented we have had a few injuries along the way, but we haven't whinged about that. We have got on with what we have had.

"We have had blokes flying in, getting off planes and coming to training and the playing the next day.

"They have all stood up really well and every time I have asked them to do something or the coach has, all the players have responded really well and you can't ask them to do any more than that."

The victory, which keeps Australia in possession of the No.1 spot on the ICC's limited overs rankings, has served as an ideal dress rehearsal for the 2011 World Cup, though it must be added that the team is again scheduled to return to India for more 50-over cricket this time next year.

"Every game that we have been able give to some of these younger guys through England and the Champions Trophy is obviously going to hold the Australian cricket team in good stead," Ponting said.

"We know we are coming back to India to play some World Cup games and whatever exposure these younger guys can get is a real positive for them.

"Out of all the injuries we have had, we have gained a lot of positives from this tour.

"Not just winning but the exposure the younger guys have got."

Allrounder Shane Watson, who alongside paceman Doug Bollinger and batsman Mike Hussey has been one of the team's most accomplished performers in India, said it was the sort of victory that filled all concerned with pride.

"There's no doubt yeah, it is a very special moment for everyone in there (the dressing room) because there's a lot of new faces and for everyone to come together the way we have is just an awesome achievement," Watson said.

"There's a lot of pride in everyone's face at the moment because it is a big thing we've been able to achieve."

Following a night of celebrations in Guwahati, the Australians were due to fly to Mumbai on Monday to prepare for the final match of the tour on Wednesday.