The West Indies' tour of South Africa ended miserably last Wednesday when they failed to level the one-day series. South Africa won the Tests 3-0 and the one-day series 3-1. This week we asked the man/woman in the street what they thought of the loss.

Devon Stewart, technician: `Team work has been lacking in West Indies cricket for sometime now and the recent tour in South Africa highlighted this. The concentration level of the players is also questionable when we look at how they apply themselves to every inning. I was not impressed with the team's performance in the tour though the last one-day was thrilling. The way forward would be a team evaluation and a new captain at the helm. (Brian) Lara's haughty demeanour continues to suppress the team and hinder countless opportunities for them to savour success. I respect Lara as a batsman but his leadership skills leave much to be said.'

Ingrid Daniels, newspaper vendor: `I am an ardent supporter of West Indies cricket in good times and bad. My faith in the team is the same today and tomorrow. The team is a young one and as they grow we will see more defeats. The playing field out there is filled with experienced cricketers as opposed to our players. Without a doubt the young players have ability but they lack focus. What management needs to do is groom them, that is all it takes.'

Clairmonte Frank, teacher: `The team needs to be open to advice from those among us who have played the game and emerged great. Notably Sobers and Richards are still around and they have demonstrated a willingness to support the young team. From my personal assessment of the tour in South Africa discipline was absent from the West Indies' game. Coaching is a critical part of any game plan and the team really needs guidance. The ironic thing is reports did surface which alluded to the fact that the team does not seek advice.'

Yvonne Thompson, overseas Guyanese: `Cricket in the West Indies today is not what it used to be. In Rohan Kanhai's days the game was alive in Guyana and every youngster desired a bat and ball. I do not know where the focus, the dedication and the vigour went. The batting is no longer consistent, the bowling is not disciplined and the fielding has no focus. I await the day when glory is restored to the game we West Indians embrace and adopted as part of our culture.'

Andrew Roberts, private sector employee: `It is really unfortunate that they failed to level the series. The camaraderie between the players is not what we fans expect it to be. More effort can be put into fielding. The West Indies' last innings was a marvel to behold but in the end poor fielding cost them the match. Throughout the series their innings were plagued by missed opportunities. Despite the flaws the team did appear to be mentally strong in the last two matches. The one-days were disappointing and we can all recall the nerve wracking 54 all out.'

Melissa Persaud, private sector employee: `There is potential in West Indies cricket but unfortunately we see very little of it. They have performed poorly over the past few years and it appears as though the team is not going anywhere. I am not a cricket fanatic but I watch the game sometimes and it is quite simple to make assessments. It does not take an expert to point out the flaws in their team. The recent tour of South Africa was a disappointment.'

Joel Narine, student: `The team is lacking practice and as such performance is poor. Looking past all that, I feel their efforts in South Africa must be commended. South Africa is a strong team and West Indies failed to prepare. The fact remains they rallied on and never gave up even on the last day of play. I never lose hope when it comes to West Indian cricket. What the team needs is more support from the wider Caribbean community and less criticism.'

Natoya Stephens, UG student: `I felt that despite the thrashing the team bounced back in the final one-day and that is commendable. They lost the game but it was a gutsy innings and a beauty to watch. I saw very little of the test matches but had they played with similar focus like the last one-day the statistics would have been different. I feel the team is in need of bowlers because the batsmen do their work. The team has spirit and in time success will find them.'

Mahendra Jaglall, auditor: `West Indian cricket as we know it today has no real bowling attack. Bowling is the weak link in the team and selectors should place emphasis on this particular factor. Bowlers like Dillon and others need more line in their attacks. The team's overall performance was fair and that about sums it up. The younger players should be allowed to play more innings in an effort to attain consistency. I believe that Lara has a vision for West Indian cricket and is the man for the captaincy.'

Rose Harding, sales clerk: `The loss was unfortunate. I am not what you would call a cricket fan because I seldom watch the game but I do know a few things. I know that the batsman need to be more consistent and the bowlers need focus. The team is playing but I sense that they are not working as a team. They need to come together and play with team spirit; it's either that or more losses in the future.'