Windies stung by Cozier's outburst

David Lloyd|Evening Standard|In Barbados

13 April 2012

The West Indies have been hit by another hail of criticism following their latest Test defeat by England.

Former fast bowler Colin Croft has already reacted to the sevenwicket loss in Trinidad by urging Brian Lara to "do the honourable thing" and quit as captain.

Now veteran Caribbean broadcaster and journalist Tony Cozier is on the offensive, saying the former world champions are not working as hard as England.

"The West Indies' disregard of the simple assertion 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail' - in glaring contrast to England's carefully planned and executed readiness - has been the main difference between the two teams", claimed Cozier as Michael Vaughan's squad settled in here for a three-day match against an invitation XI.

"This is a team bursting with enormous natural talent. It comprises mainly very young men who crave and need proper direction. They are clearly not getting it."

Croft believes Lara should be the highest-profile casualty.

"I'm not saying the players will get any better, but they can't become any worse," he said after suggesting that Lara, for the second time in his career, should surrender the captaincy. Manager Ricky Skerritt has already tended his resignation and coach Gus Logie also is under fire.

Cozier points out that the West Indies spent much of the time in the build-up to the First Test in Jamaica going through psychological sessions.

"Some were watching motivational videos of Michael Jordan stressing the importance of practice, which is precisely what they were not doing enough of," he added. "There are a host of requirements needed to lift the West Indies out of their present abyss. Practice, and more practice, is one of them, but the example has to come from the top."

England's job is to keep their foot on the West Indies' throat.

"It's going to be tough for them to come back from two down and we have to make sure they can't come back," said opener Marcus Trescothick. "We're in a great position but when the Third Test starts we need to do the same again."

Trescothick specifically asked to play in the three-day match here after making just 46 runs in six completed innings on this trip.

"It's a little bit of a concern because I've not had any time at the crease so far," he said. "I just have to remain positive because I know it will come back soon."

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Windies stung by Cozier's outburst

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