I still respect Aussie players: Kumble

India captain Anil Kumble says he harbours no ill feelings towards Australia's players after last week's bad-tempered second Test and wants to meet with Ricky Ponting to clear up any differences.

India captain Anil Kumble says he harbours no ill feelings towards Australia's players after last week's bad-tempered second Test and wants to meet with Ricky Ponting to clear up any differences.

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Kumble admitted he was upset at some of the actions of Australia's players during the match but did not hold any grudges.

"It was only meant for the Sydney game," he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday. "I have great respect and regard for all the players who play for Australia.

"It was just one of those incidents which everybody has seen."

Kumble accused the Australians of breaching the spirit of cricket in a comment that evoked memories of Bill Woodfull's claims against the English in the 1932-33 Bodyline series.

The Australians have defended their actions, saying they played the game hard but fair, and have been backed up by Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland.

The International Cricket Council has appointed a mediator to speak with Kumble and Ponting before the next match but the Indian said he was more than happy to meet with him.

"It's important that Ricky and I get together and address it," he said. "On behalf of my team, I can assure that we will play in the right spirit.

"It will be a hard-fought match. It's important that whatever cricket that we play is remembered."

(Reporting by Julian Linden; Editing by Alastair Himmer)