England opener Michael Atherton has launched a stinging attack on the International Cricket Council over the standard of umpiring.

His criticism comes in the wake of the controversial Test series between Sri Lanka and England which was blighted by numerous dubious umpiring decisions.

Atherton himself was involved in a flare-up during the series with Sri Lanka wicket-keeper Kumar Sangakkara. The pair received a severe reprimand from the match referee.

Now the former England captain has hit out at the game's governing body, urging it to improve the standard of umpiring.

Speaking on Channel 4's Test Cricket Special, Atherton said: "In a game which generates millions of pounds, it is a disgrace the ICC have allowed umpiring standards to fall so low.

"They must get together a group of competent and professional young umpires with recent Test experience.

"Only when you have that right can you look at whether the use of new technology can be expanded. And I'm not convinced the new technology is good enough to help much more at this stage.

"But I agree if a player decides he is not going to walk, he shouldn't show dissent to any decisions that go against him."

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