MUMBAI, India (Reuters):

AUSTRALIA CAPTAIN Ricky Ponting praised the performance of West Indies' finger spinners Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels after the world champions were defeated by 10 runs in the Champions Trophy yesterday.

Both spinners bowled their full quota of 10 overs and conceded only 75 runs between them as Australia fell short of West Indies' 234 for six on a slow pitch.

"We always knew it will be difficult to chase, we always knew the wicket would slow up and probably turn as the game went on," Ponting said.

"You look at their finger spinners (Chris) Gayle and (Marlon) Samuels did a very good job for them. They probably got the ball to spin a lot more than what we did earlier in the game.

"But we can't blame conditions. There was a game here to be won and we were not good enough. So I won't be blaming anybody but ourselves."

Australia now meet England in Saturday's Group A in their first clash since the Ashes changed hands at The Oval last year. England lost their opening match to hosts India.

"It is the first time Australia and England are meeting since the last Ashes battle," Ponting said.

"Now, with a lot riding on the game as far as this tournament is concerned, I'm sure it will be another good game of cricket, hopefully one that we come out on top."

West Indies' vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, who led his side in the field in the absence of Brian Lara who suffered a back spasm while batting, said Lara would be fit for the next match against India.

"We understand that India play pretty well at home. But we are going to go into that game with the same positive attitude and hopefully win that one as well," he said.