BIRMINGHAM, England, CMC:
WEST INDIES batting legend Sir Vivian Richards has criticised Brian Lara's leadership and suggested that the 35-year-old Trinidadian should step down as captain of the West Indies team.
Sir Vivian, who resigned as chairman of the West Indies selection panel in June following the team's 3-0 series loss at home in the Caribbean to England, says Lara is unable to motivate the team and is proving ineffective as team leader.
"The side is now in a bad way and if you have a leader who cannot motivate, you have problems," Sir Vivian told BBC Radio Five Live.
"Brian Lara must take a long, hard look at himself," he added.
Sir Vivian, 52, said the current West Indies side, already 1-0 down in the four Test series against England, needed to improve in all aspects of their game but particularly their concentration.
"I believe these guys are not good thinkers. They need to be a little bit more focused," he said.
"We have all identified the ability factor. But if you don't think, that ability is null and void.
"These guys are not focused enough. We've seen some brilliance here and there but success for an hour or two isn't going to win you any Test matches," said Sir Vivian, who - statistically - is the most successful West Indies captain ever.
Sir Vivian took over as captain of the West Indies from Clive Lloyd in 1985 and proceeded to lead a strong side through a very successful era at Test level. He captained them to 27 wins in 50 Tests between 1985 and 1991, while also maintaining his reputation as the world's best batsman over the same period.
