BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (Reuters) - Captain Brian Lara was ``devastated'' after West Indies slumped to an eight-wicket defeat in three days in the third Test against England to hand the tourists their first series win in the Caribbean since 1968.
``I'm devastated and in a state of shock,'' Lara said after tasting defeat once again yesterday. ``It's hard to put into words how the guys and I feel right now.
``History will say that in 2004, the English won. We have to regroup. The guys are really hurting but we have to get our emotions together and play well in Antigua.''
West Indies collapsed to 94 all out in their second innings, leaving England needing only 93 for victory, a target they reached for the loss of just two wickets.
England lead the four-match series 3-0, with just the final Test to come, starting in Antigua on April 10.
For the third Test in succession, the game was in the balance after the first two days with West Indies 19 runs ahead, with nine wickets in hand.
But yesterday Matthew Hoggard became only the 10th Englishman to take a Test hat-trick, and only Lara, with a defiant 33, offered any resistance.
``The batting has to improve,'' said Lara. ``A lot of the guys have to look and see that they are getting out the same way, and work hard on it.''
Lara said the team's failure to bat out the opening day after having been in a strong position at tea was the key to the outcome of the match.
``We were 155 for three and we didn't bat it out, we lost seven wickets in 20 overs. That is the problem.''
Despite being unable to save the series, Lara said the players had to show determination and produce an improved performance in Antigua.
``I still believe that we have a group of good youngsters. Hopefully, this experience will not affect them badly psychologically. Hopefully, they will learn from this and improve as players.''