BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (Reuters) - Coach Gus Logie says that a lack of mental strength and discipline are the biggest obstacles to West Indies fulfilling their potential.
``In Jamaica (where West Indies collapsed to 47 all out and lost by 10 wickets), I think we were probably prepared better than ever before,'' Logie told reporters yesterday.
``But it's not just about training and preparation, we have to ask ourselves are we mentally strong enough? Can the bowlers bowl the right line; can the batters make the right choices?
``It's not down to a lack of information -- information is everywhere.
``We can use a psychologist, show players a lot of things, but at the end of the day it's down to the players. They must have a passion for the team and a responsibility for themselves.''
Logie, who has an uneasy relationship with captain Brian Lara, and his West Indies side came under intense criticism for their poor performances in the first two Tests against England, who lead the four-match series 2-0 and are on the verge of a first series triumph in the Caribbean since 1968.
The third Test starts in Barbados on Thursday.
West Indies have failed to stick to basic disciplines on or off the pitch.
Four players, including vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, reportedly attended a party in the stand at Sabina Park in the wake of the 10-wicket defeat in the first Test -- actions which led to the resignation of team manager Rocky Skerritt.
OLD PROBLEM
Logie said the problems were not new.
``We have talked about the kind of discipline we want and the kind of work ethic we want, but discipline has always been a problem,'' he said.
``I think you could go back in the archives and you'll find it was always a problem, it's just that we were much more successful then.
``I think it's a reflection of the society we live in. The schools are undisciplined -- I think we have to realise that we are failing our young people.''
Unlike the coaches of most Test-playing nations, Logie is not on the West Indies selection committee, something he knew when taking the job but which clearly rankles.
``I don't think a coach of the West Indies team is solely responsible for what happens on the pitch,'' he said.
``If we want to say the buck stops with the coach then we have to make him have some responsibility.''
Some former players, including fast bowler Colin Croft, have called for Lara to stand down.
It is no secret that Lara and Logie are not exactly the best of friends.
``I am not going to say that we go to the pub together at the end of the day -- we have two different lifestyles and I think everybody knows that,'' Logie said.
``But the relationship with the captain is a very good, professional one. We do whatever is necessary for the team to go forward.''