LONDON, July 1: Legendary West Indies batsman Sir Vivian Richards is not expecting any miracles from the West Indies team currently touring England. But he hopes some lessons will be learnt so the side can haul itself up the Test Championship table and be a competitive outfit when they host the World Cup in 2007.

On 22 June, Sir Vivian resigned as West Indies Cricket Board's chairman of selectors to take up a job as a BBC Test Match Special pundit. In his first commentary stint of the summer, England crashed to defeat in first match of triangular Series opener - and West Indies werethe winners.

"England maybe felt a little bit comfortable about things having thrashed us 3-0 in the Tests in the Caribbean," says Sir Vivian. So perhaps the first shoots of recovery have started? "If you have a good team, then you're successful. Everyone gathers around you and everyone embraces you," he explains.

"For England it's the same with what happened at Euro 2004. But there are times when things go wrong and people get on your back - a bit like David Beckham must be feeling at this point."

By the time triangular series is over and Tests begin, it may be that critics are rounding on both teams. For West Indies, Brian Lara will be crucial - and not just for his awesome batting. His captaincy has frequently been questioned.

"We all hope he learns from his particular mistakes. There's a huge responsibility on his shoulders and it's important that he sets a good example," says Sir Vivian.

But West Indies' long-term goals are more important than what happens over next few weeks. "The average age in West Indies team is around 23 and so there you have a platform for the future.

"We also have some young guys who did well in under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh - when they were in final and just lost to Pakistan. "So it's just a matter of time before we get to grips with things and have a competitive team. They are going to take a few more hidings I believe, but it all depends on how well you learn from those hidings."

When assessing recent failings, he is more critical of West Indies batsmen than bowlers. "What guys have between ears has let them down on numerous occasions," is his stinging rebuke. With bowlers it is more a physical complaint.

"When we were successful we had guys who were 6ft 5in and up. When you look at guys who are supposed to be our quicks now they are more like 5ft 7in. "It's definitely a problem - we are not as intimidating as we used to be. The intimidating factor is now facing us in shape of Steve Harmison. It makes us realise what England went through when they faced our guys in 1980s." -Agencies