Some West Indies players are not adhering to fitness programmes laid down by team management.
That firm view is coming from legendary former West Indies captain Sir Vivian Richards against the background of a recent spate of injuries that has afflicted the regional side.
It is a problem he feels dates back to the days when Bennett King was coaching the team.
"I don't think some of these guys buy into the fitness programme. The players have to listen to individuals who can take them over that next hurdle where that fitness programme is concerned," Sir Vivian said.
"For a professional team, West Indies are one of the lesser fit teams at this level. If that's the case, we need to get back to the drawing board and to be fully aware of the things that you need to be equipped with in order for you to be successful at this level."
Richards, widely regarded as one of the toughest captains the game has ever seen, has watched the West Indies team in recent weeks in his capacity as a Johnnie Walker Ambassador in which he is part of a "Know Your Boundaries' responsible drinking campaign.
He has been around to see West Indies hampered by a series of injuries that has affected the strength of the squad for the ongoing Digicel One-Day International Series against Australia.
"As times go by, hopefully individuals do buy into what fitness is all about and how important it is for them to prolong their careers and for them to have success," he said.
"If you do not have most of your fit players on the field at any given time, you will be struggling most of the time."
While finding shortcomings among the West Indians, Sir Viv was impressed by the approach to fitness by at least one Australian, Brett Lee.
The fiery fast bowler had the satisfaction of becoming the tenth man and the quickest in the game to achieve 300 wickets in One-Day Internationals, a feat which he attained in the third match of this series at the Grenada National Stadium on Sunday.
"What I have been impressed with more than anything else in Brett Lee is his fitness," Sir Viv said.
"No matter what time of the day that you call upon Brett Lee, he is going to give you 100 per cent. Why he is able to do that? He is one of the fittest that I've seen in a long time."
