Shane Warne has called on cricket authorities to split the Test nations into two divisions to rid the game of cheap wickets and cheap runs.

Warne said mismatched Tests devalued the game and called for a system of promotion and relegation.

"I think two divisions is something that should be thrown up and talked about. Otherwise I think it devalues the brand," the leg spinner said.

"Too many people are there getting cheap wickets and cheap runs.

"It'd be interesting to name the top five cricketing nations and then see six, seven, eight, nine, 10 and who they are."

He said a promotion and relegation system similar to that which exists in English county cricket would provide a lot more interest in Tests featuring the weaker nations such as Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.

"In county cricket there's a lot more competitive games, a lot riding on each game, promotion and relegation is very, very important," he said.

"We probably need a little bit of that in Test cricket."

Warne played a major role last year in securing Hampshire's promotion to English county cricket's first division for the 2005 season which opens on Wednesday.

The world record wicket taker has signed a two-year deal to captain Hampshire with an option for a further two.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP