A disgusted Indian media attributed the 10-wicket humiliation by West Indies in the Barbados Test on knee problems - the inability of the batsmen to counter balls bouncing above knee-level. "Harsh but true, the defeat was caused by the old Indian failing to deal with the ball once it threatens to rise above the knee," the Hindu newspaper lamented. "The meek surrender shall remain one of the dark spots of Indian cricket for long."

The performance, described by legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar as "spineless", undid the good work of winning the previous Test at Port-of-Spain.

With the five-match series tied 1-1, there are fears that India's dismal away record could continue, especially if the wickets for the remaining two Tests in Antigua and Jamaica assist the fast bowlers.

"Don't be surprised if instructions have gone out to the curators at Antigua and Jamaica to prepare similar kind of pitches," Gavaskar wrote. "The team management will have to find the answers very quickly or it could well be another failed overseas venture for India."

Gavaskar also cautioned master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who managed only 0, 0 and 8 in the last three innings after equalling Don Bradman's record of 29 Test centuries in the first innings of the second Test.

"Tendulkar is playing across the line so much," Gavaskar wrote. "Even during the century innings, he was rapped on the pads often and was lucky to get away with a couple of appeals."

The fourth Test starts in St John's, Antigua, on Friday.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd