Australia have learnt their lesson from their shock defeat to India in last week's second Test, vice-captain Ricky Ponting said on Tuesday.

"I think we've learnt from it. We have to be a bit tougher this week," Ponting told reporters at Melbourne airport before the third Test at Melbourne that gets underway on Friday.

India lead the four-Test series 1-0.

Ponting made a majestic 242 in Australia's first innings of 556 in the second Test in Adelaide. The dashing right-hander was out for a duck in the second innings and Australia collapsed for 196.

India were set 230 to win after what Australia coach John Buchanan said was an "immature" and "soulless" batting performance by the home side.

Rahul Dravid, who made 233 and 72 not out in the match, hit the winning runs for a four-wicket victory.

"If we had batted for one more session, things could have been a lot different," said Ponting, who has hit 19 centuries in 73 Tests. "I think you'll see a lot more determined team this week."

Melbourne Cricket Ground's capacity has been reduced to 70,000 as part of renovations for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. However, Ponting said the Melbourne Test had lost none of its excitement.

"This is my favourite cricket ground in the world and Boxing Day (December 26) is traditionally a big Test match," Ponting said.

"It would be nice to have a big game, to carry on from Adelaide."