Kumble is not happy about criticism of Indian spin bowling

India's top spinner said it was unfair to expect miracles in every match.

"The media and everybody else is lenient when it comes to batsmen, but they expect instant results from spinners," said the leg-spinner, only the second bowler after Englishman Jim Laker to grab 10 wickets in a Test innings.

"If a batsman does not get runs, he's given five or six innings to regain form. If a spinner does not take five wickets in his first Test innings, then he's not good. This is unfair."

Kumble's remarks come in the wake of a drive by Indian cricket's governing body to halt what it perceives to be a decline in the standards of spin bowling.

India seek spin revival

He said spinners should be given a fair trial because they needed more time than batsmen to settle down.

"Only then should they be judged whether they are good or not," said India's second-highest wicket-taker after Kapil Dev (434) with 349 victims in 76 Tests.

Kumble said he believed that spinners still had a major role to play in India's upcoming Test series against New Zealand at home in October and in Australia later this year.

"I don't think the spinners' role has been restricted in recent times. They have played a key role at home and on tour," he said.

We can win the Test series in Australia if we play to our potential Harbhajan Singh

India play two Tests at home against New Zealand before taking part in a triangular one-day series also featuring world champions Australia.

India will then tour Australia for four Test matches from December.

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh echoed his senior partner's sentiments, saying India had the spinners to deliver in all conditions.

"We can win the Test series in Australia if we play to our potential," said Harbhajan.

The 23-year-old said he did not believe the fast and bouncy Australian pitches would blunt the Indian spin attack.

"When Shane Warne can take wickets (in Australia), why can't we?" said Harbhajan, who has taken 144 wickets in 33 Tests.

"I think the spinners' role will be crucial in Australia. I always try to take wickets wherever I go. As a bowler, you have to take wickets. Otherwise, it's no use going out there."