Struggling Bangladesh should not be at playing at Test level, says Australia leg spinner Shane Warne.
"At the moment, I feel sorry for the Bangladesh players because they are getting mauled time and time again," Warne wrote in a column for The Times newspaper on Monday.
"It is all very well to say that they are gaining experience, but how do you improve when you are being embarrassed and humiliated in public week after week?
"To be brutally honest, they are not up to standard and should not be playing Test cricket."
The Asian nation, the most recent addition to the 10-team Test fraternity, were humiliated by England at Lord's last week in the first Test of a two-match series.
Bangladesh, outclassed throughout, lost by an innings and 261 runs on the third morning, having conceded a 420-run first-innings deficit after being steamrollered for 108 on the opening day.
For Bangladesh, playing at Lord's for the first time, it was their 32nd defeat in 37 Tests.
"The worst aspect is that I cannot see any light on the horizon for Bangladesh," added Warne. "I have not seen anything to suggest that they might be even a moderate team in the years ahead.
FREEING SCHEDULE
"Looking at international cricket overall, it is clear that taking away Bangladesh and Zimbabwe would free up time in the schedule.
"I think most people -- certainly most players -- believe that it is too cramped as things stand. Fewer countries means less cricket means more rest means fewer injuries means a better standard when we do play."
However, Warne does not want Bangladesh to lose their international status.
"They could play first-class cricket against state teams in other countries -- India, as their neighbours, would be a good place to start," he said.
"Maybe they could host A tours so that spectators could still see decent cricket and get behind them.
"If Bangladesh become successful, I am sure it would have a huge, positive effect on the country and inspire millions of youngsters. But there are ways to help without exposing them to a level above their capabilities."
One of five players named as Wisden's cricketers of the 20th century for revitalising the art of leg spin, Warne is captaining English county side Hampshire this season.
