NEW DELHI: Australian captain Ricky Ponting is all for specialists in one-day team and not "bits and pieces cricketers" making the team.

"In my opinion, there is no room for those who can bowl a bit or bat a bit. You need specialist all-rounders to do the job. Every batting position is important and so is the role of every bowler in the side. Look at our side and you'll find that we have specialists," was how Ponting put his point across during an interactive session with the media here on Sunday.

Ponting said India was a tough side to beat at home and has lots of talent. "That makes them a very tough competitor, but we do have a good one-day record against India."

Coach John Buchanan needed no reminding that Australia was yet to win the Champions Trophy. "It is important that we improve upon our performances in Malaysia. The idea is to play as many games here and reach the final. Our number one ranking does not guarantee anything. You lose one game and you can find yourself in a corner. So every game is very important."

Smithspeak

Earlier, South Africa's captain Graeme Smith said that his team got rid of the "chokers" tag when it successfully chased 434 runs set by Australia.

"We are here as a well-knit unit, waiting for Herschelle Gibbs to complete the combination," said Smith.

Captain for three years, Smith said, "When I took over as a young guy, I was a bit nervous, but now I am much more relaxed and am taking decisions on my own."

Former captain Shaun Pollock said having beaten Australia at home was a big advantage. "A big plus for South Africa is that we have toured the sub-continent more often than any other team in the recent past."

England confident

Meanwhile, former England captain Andrew Strauss said that despite the absence of his regular opening partner, Marcus Trescothick, he was confident of standing up to the occasion.

"We have tried a few opening combinations in the past and I am sure we will be able to put up a good show in the Champions Trophy," said Strauss.

On England's chances from the group that has World champion Australia and host India, Strauss said, "with Andrew Flintoff back in the team as captain, anything is possible," and added, "With the World Cup only six months away, it's very important to get going now."

And the man England expects to deliver at the earliest is Kevin Pietersen, who had a good series when the team played here in March-April this year.

"I hope to do well again here. The key is not to buckle down and we did that against Pakistan despite being a young side," said the dashing batsman.

When asked how he adjusted himself to playing under different skippers, Pietersen said,

"We have had different captains (in the recent past), but all have captained the team the same way."

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