Gray says Australia do not realise cricket's international problems

The president, who retires in June, accused Australia of living in a fool's paradise.

Australia are head and shoulders above their nearest rivals in both Tests and one-day games.

They successfully defended their World Cup crown in South Africa and won a world record 21 consecutive one-day internationals.

It is very easy in Australia to have a rosy view of cricket ICC president Malcolm Gray

Gray said of Australia's dominance: "It has given me concern for some time.

"On many occasions I have put it to the Australian Cricket Board that they are living in a fool's paradise."

Gray made his hard-hitting comments in The Australian newspaper.

The 63-year-old, who lives in Melbourne, added: "Their team is the best team in the world undoubtedly, they're financially secure, their administration is at least equal to the best in the world.

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"It is very easy in Australia to have a rosy view of cricket and not realise the problems internationally. It is a very serious problem.

"One of the greatest challenges cricket has is to ensure that there is a greater evenness within the competition."

Australia play struggling Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in Test series later this year and one-sided results are expected to do little to further the game globally.