Johnson urges action on Zimbabwe

South Africa send Dion Ebrahim on his way in the first Test

Former Zimbabwe all-rounder Neil Johnson has backed calls for the national team to be withdrawn from international cricket.

His comments followed the team's two-day defeat by South Africa in the first Test at Cape Town and echoed those of former captain Dave Houghton.

Johnson told BBC Sport: "They are so far behind at the moment they should step back and develop their youngsters.

"Cricket is under pressure throughout the world and it is being devalued."

Johnson, who quit international cricket in 2000, said: "It is certainly not developing their youngsters at the moment, getting a smack every time they play a game."

International Cricket Council chiefs insist there are no plans to demote Zimbabwe or fellow strugglers Bangladesh, but a series of measures are being put in place to assist them.

One suggestion involved the two lowest ranked teams playing a "modified programme" of home Test matches only.

It gives people more opportunity to play cricket but it is devaluing the product Neil Johnson ICC ponder changes

Johnson believes the minnows would also benefit from playing in the ICC Intercontinental Cup event, won by Scotland last year.

"Playing at a different level, or maybe at under-23 or whatever it is, these guys will develop and they can build themselves up again," he said.

"There certainly is talent, that's the sad thing.

"How tough is it when you are talented and all you're doing is getting a hiding every week, surely it knocks your confidence and you forget, or don't even know how to win games, that's somewhere they don't want to be.

"It gives people more opportunity to play cricket but it is devaluing the product which is quite sad."