Former West Indies great and ICC match referee Clive Lloyd has made a novel suggestion to improve Bangladesh cricket.

At a function in Mumbai, to launch the Wisden International Awards, Lloyd took the opportunity to suggest that two overseas cricketers should be included in the Bangladesh team to help improve its standing in world cricket.

Admitting that gifting Test status to Bangladesh was a mistake, he said this would be one way of rectifying the bungle and helping the nation catch up with the other Test-playing countries.

Lloyd, who was Wisden 'Cricketer of the Year' in 1971 for his performances for Lancashire, where he scored 1600 runs at an average of 47, is probably talking from experience, as he led a very young, inexperienced Lancashire side and moulded it into a winning combination. His 126 against Warwickshire at Lord's helped Lancashire lift the Gillette Cup in 1972.

He said he discussed the idea with the ICC and thought it could help other teams besides Bangladesh and Kenya in the long term ICC program of globalising the sport.

"We need to make sure that when these teams play Test cricket they are competitive and the Test lasts the full distance."

Former BCCI president Raj Singh Dungarpur, who was present at the function, criticised the ICC for granting Test status merely on the basis of infrastructure rather than talent. He added that the best coaches have failed to improve the standards of the Bangladeshi team and the ICC needs to think about relegating teams as much as granting them Test status.

Lloyd admitted the ICC's gaffe but steered clear of the relegation proposal, saying it is the ICC's prerogative.

He suggested that Bangladesh should be asked to participate in domestic tournaments around the world to work on technique.

"The Bangladesh team should play in the Ranji Trophy in India, for starters. It would be an ideal preparation," he said.

He also seconded a suggestion that Bangladesh and Kenya should play the 'A' teams of the other Test-playing nations and only if they win more than 75 per cent of the games should they be allowed to play a Test match or series.

"A mistake has been made and it is time now to rectify it by accepting Bangladesh into the fold and helping them become competitive," he said.

Lloyd defended the West Indies' performance in the current Test series against Australia and said even though they might be white-washed they will get back.

"After we were washed out 5-0 by South Africa in 1999, we came back and had world champions Australia 2-2 in the Test series that followed.

"We have a good batting outfit. We only need to hunt for fast bowlers who have just gone dry in the West Indies. Once we get the right combination we will be a force to reckon with in the next World Cup in the Caribbean islands," he added.