Sir Viv lays into Lara

Viv Richards, the former West Indian batsman and selector, has publicly criticised Brian Lara, the current West Indies captain, questioning his leadership and motivational skills.

Richards, 52, resigned as chairman of selectors in June following West Indies' 3-0 loss to England in the Caribbean. Richards originally took the job in May 2002, but his last few months in charge became increasingly controversial, with reports of rifts between him and Lara - and Richards's latest comments further suggest that all wasn't rosy between the pair.

There was even an reported incident on West Indies' tour to South Africa last year, when Lara made a last-minute change to the fourth-Test team at Centurion Park during the toss - apparently against Richards's wishes - bringing in Merv Dillon for Adam Sanford.

West Indies have lost 10 of their last 20 Tests, and are currently 1-0 down in the Wisden Trophy against England following a heavy defeat at Lord's in the first Test. "Brian Lara must take a long, hard look at himself," Richards told BBC Radio Five Live today. "The side is now in a bad way and, if you have a leader who cannot motivate, you have problems. 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."

Richards added that the team lacked the mental discipline required to be successful: "I believe these guys are not good thinkers. They need to be a little bit more focused."