LONDON, Aug 2: West Indies coach Gus Logie on Monday hit back at criticism of skipper Brian Lara from former players including cricket legend Sir Viv Richards.

Richards called for a change of leadership after the West Indies were crushed by 256 runs in their second Test against England at Edgbaston on Sunday.

But Logie has supported Lara, who has said that he intends to continue until at least the end of the current series. "It certainly hurts to hear ex-West Indies players being critical of the captain because they are the players we've asked for assistance in the past," said Logie.

"Some of them are very reluctant to give that. We like positive and constructive criticism that can help the youngsters and the team as much as possible." Logie said that the West Indies have to become stronger mentally if they are to bounce back from a 2-0 deficit in the Old Trafford Test in 10 days time.

"I think we are doing as much as we can in terms of the physical preparation but it is also a mental thing," said Logie. "What you see out there in the middle sometimes are not just physical mistakes but mental lapses.

"We need a lot of work outside the physical side of things. We've asked for assistance in many areas and some of it has not come in yet and we hope in the near future it will." Logie also believes that positives can be taken out of the mauling at Edgbaston as the West Indies look to recapture their pride. -AFP