Warne slams Strauss for not touring Bangladesh

SYDNEY: Australia great Shane Warne has accused Andrew Strauss of showing a "lack of respect for Test cricket" following the England captain''s decision to opt out of the tour of Bangladesh.

Warne, speaking at Lord''s here on Monday, said Strauss''s absence for next month''s two-Test series, when England are due to be captained by another opening batsman in Alastair Cook, would store up trouble for his side.

Strauss''s place could be taken by Michael Carberry and after helping the 29-year-old revive his career when captain of Hampshire, leg-spin legend Warne said he would like nothing more than to see his former county colleague give the selectors a huge headache.

Strauss''s decision has already provoked debate with many observers wondering why he needs to take a break during the Bangladesh tour given he is also set to miss the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean in April and March as he does not play in international cricket''s shortest format.

Carberry, yet to make his Test debut, received a ringing endorsement from his old captain.

Earlier, England fast bowler Stephen Harmison agreed Strauss, who led England in their recent 1-1 series draw away to South Africa, should tour Bangladesh.

"The captain should be there," the Durham quick told a tv channel. "He was tired at the end of the South Africa tour but the other factor is he''s England captain. Even if he got there two days before the first Test, the England captain should be there."