``Their present team is the weakest amongst nine Test playing countries. I am shocked and devastated at seeing them in this condition,'' remarked Hanif, whose 337, regarded as the best-ever knock by the pundits, came against them 40 years ago.

``Till 1990, they had a battery of quality fast bowlers. There was even a time when Malcolm Marshall was the fifth bowler in the team. But the current attack is not worthy of Test cricket. It is just worthy of domestic first-class cricket,'' the former Pakistan captain and the best opener produced by the country said.

Hanif said he was at pain taking away the credit from the Pakistan stroke-makers who played brilliantly ``but the fact is that it (the West Indies) are no more a competitive side. ``I have no hesitation in saying that it is a very poor side.''

Hanif was of the view that the West Indies lack fighting qualities because it has no world-class players except for two. ``If you take them out (Brian Lara and Carl Hooper), the rest don't even fit into a good team. Had those players been playing cricket some 20 years ago, I doubt if they would have even made their first-class debuts.'' Hanif maintained that the coach or the manager can't produce match-winners unless there is talent. ``A talented player can only be transformed into a world-class player.''

Hanif doubted at the talent available in the West Indies. ``I don't know if they have good quality players back home. Had there been, there must have been few down here. Besides, I think there is very little domestic cricket in the Caribbean which doesn't throw the talent properly. ``We produce good players because we have a very sound domestic structure. Here a talented player gets at least a dozen first-class matches to show his skills.''

Hanif anticipated quite a few changes in the West Indies when they return home and prepare for the series against England. ``I would like to see Brian Laraappointed as captain. That would make the gifted batsman more responsible and consistent. As a vice-captain, I doubt if he is giving his best.''

Hanif was also angry over the ouster of Saqlain Mushtaq from the first two Tests. ``I want to know who was the man behind his (Saqlain Mushtaq's) exclusion. ``Even on this placid track, he bagged five wickets and that too on the first day when the pitch was fresh and didn't offer much to the spinners.''