West Indies captain Brian Lara is pleading for support from the people of the Caribbean.

In an emotional outburst in his NATION column Captain's Log, Lara appealed to West Indians not to desert the team.

``We're hurting too'', he says, ``help us get through this.''

Lara's comments come against the background that the West Indies, which slumped to a fourth consecutive Test defeat against South Africa on Wednesday, are in danger of losing a series 5-0 for the first time ever.

Lara says when the team is doing well his fax machine is busy, he can't sleep because of all the faxes. However, now that the team is down and almost out, his fax machine is idle.

``It is unfortunate that the only time we hear from our people back home is when we are on top,'' he said.

``No one ever bothers to call or even send messages to us when we are doing badly. Sometimes you need a friend when you are down – not only when you are on top,'' Lara said.

The West Indies captain said some of the guys on the team were doing well and would welcome some kind of encouragement.

Despite what happens on this tour, Lara said, some of the players will be faces that the West Indian people will be seeing for a number of years to come.

Give us some word of comfort, Lara pleaded.

``We are in the middle of a world of negatives here in South Africa. How nice it would be for the president of my own country to send something to us....to offer a word of reassurance or consolation.''

``It's not too late,'' said Lara.

On Wednesday, Lara said that some of the players felt so bad that they wanted to come home.

He feels that words and letters of support and consolation would build back up courage lost.

Those interested in sending words of encouragement may fax Lara or any of the players at: 011-2721-423-8875.

The fifth and last Test starts next Friday.