Two-down in the series is not the situation we wanted ourselves in on the eve of the Kolkata Test. It is really disheartening that overseas wins - the true yardstick to a team’s caliber - still elude this West Indian side. It is also disappointing that India has recorded its first-ever 2-0 lead against the West Indies this time around. So how does the team motivate itself in such adverse circumstances?

I think playing for pride is something the West Indians will seek to do here. Often hurt pride can be a tremendous motivation, and I am sure the players have read articles in the media criticising their performance so far. If one or two individuals take this criticism to heart and decide to set the record straight, the Indians will find the opposition a lot tougher.

Basically the West Indians should set themselves three targets. First they should go all out to prevent a 3-0 scoreline – nothing can be more damaging for a losing side than a complete wipeout. After that, they must ensure that the game goes into the fifth day - something that has not happened so far. And finally, if they achieve the second target, I’m sure they will put up a good fight and could even pull one back in the series. This Test will have a crucial role to play in the way the one-dayers go, and it is important that the West Indies enter the one-day series with some confidence restored.

The batsmen in our side have got to realise that 40s and 50s will not do the job. Spending time in the middle is the only way to come to terms with these spinning pitches. A big score and big partnerships are important. The collapse at Chennai was an example of how everything goes wrong on some days, and now the West Indians must prove that their second-innings collapse at Chepauk was an aberration.

For me, alien conditions have never been a good alibi for a poor performance. I have seen fast bowlers in past West Indian teams run through Indian sides on wickets that were much slower than those we have encountered on this tour. The West Indies have consistently done well in India, and it is always our fast bowlers that have troubled Indian batsmen. The players are young and must learn to adapt to conditions that are different from those back home. Spending time in the middle, being patient, figuring out what to do and what not to do - all these qualities are that the West Indian youngsters must try to develop; only then can they be called true professionals.

As a selector, I’m looking for a few good men. Men who have talent must also prove they have the head for international cricket. If you get the core players right, then the more average players can work around them to form a good unit. We have identified some youngsters in this series, and hopefully they are the few good men I have been searching for.

As far as India is concerned, motivation is certainly not a problem. Keeping performance levels up even after winning the series is often a problem. Sure, this side has aggression, but that can only take you so far. The players are also performing well, and that is what matters more. I am sure they are motivated enough to go for a 3-0 result. It is now up to the West Indians to stop that, and good luck to them. The series has been decided in Chennai, but both teams have a lot to play for at the Eden Gardens.

Other Articles by Vivian Richards:

• Indians outclassed in all departments at Vijayawada (26 November 2002)
• Too many crucial catches have been dropped (24 November 2002)
• Ganguly's absence could hit the Indians hard (21 November 2002)
• Gayle put me in mind of Lloyd (18 November 2002)
• A Sarwan century would be the icing on the cake (15 November 2002)
• The West Indies must carry their momentum (9 November 2002)
• A crucial series for the fringe players (5 November 2002)
• The West Indies playing for pride (30 October 2002)
• Getting Dravid out early is crucial for the West Indies (17 October 2002)
• Indian tour a golden opportunity for youngsters (9 October 2002)

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