Miandad wants Bangladesh review

Pakistan great Javed Miandad has joined calls for Bangladesh's Test status to be suspended until they improve.

Last week's loss to England was their 21st innings defeat in 37 Tests.

"The ICC, instead of refusing to review their Test status, should look at ways to help them raise their standards," said Miandad, a veteran of 124 Tests.

"The ICC could suspend the Test-playing rights of Zimbabwe because they were weakened by the players' boycott - why can't they do the same for Bangladesh?"

A recently revised International Cricket Council programme requires that each Test nation plays the other nine in series at home and away at least once every six years.

Bangladesh's inaugural Test series in England continues on Friday with the second Test in Chester-le-Street.

Miandad added: "I would suggest the ICC introduce a promotion and relegation system in international cricket and revise its future tours programme."

Miandad's comments echo those of former international captains Mike Atherton and Richie Benaud, who both used Sunday newspaper columns to call for a change.

However, Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore last weekend dismissed suggestions for a lower tier as "not the answer".

He told BBC Radio Five Live after the first Test: "On the surface it was a one-sided affair but just to say, 'Bangladesh, off you go,' is not right."