SYDNEY, Jan 6: India captain Anil Kumble launched an astonishing attack on Australia’s cricketers after his team were beaten in the second Test on Sunday, accusing them of breaching the spirit of the game.

Kumble was unable to contain his fury after his team were beaten in a thrilling and controversial end to one of the most absorbing matches ever seen at the SCG.

Asked by journalists about Australia’s tactics, Kumble echoed something similar to the immortal line used by the Australian captain Bill Woodfull during the 1932-33 Bodyline series against England.

“Only one team was playing with the spirit of the game,” he said.

He also said he was prevented from elaborating on his specific complaints about the Australian players but indicated he was upset at the refusal of their batsmen to walk when they were clearly out.

The Indians were on the wrong end of a number of bad umpiring decisions throughout the course of the match but the most crucial occurred on the first day when Andrew Symonds was given not out by West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor.

“We like to play hard on the field and we expect that from Australia as well,” Kumble said.

“I’ve played my cricket very sincerely and very honestly and that’s the approach my team takes on the field and I expect that from the Aussies as well.”

Kumble also bristled when asked about some of Australia’s appeals after Rahul Dravid was controversially given out on the last day when he had failed to make contact with the ball. “We had decided that we will be honest and when a catch is taken the player says he’s taken it, the captain nods his head and the umpire gives him out.”—Reuters