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JOHANNESBURG - As the West Indies cricketers packed their bags and last night flew away from their tour from hell, they had further confirmation of the enormity of their next imminent assignment.

The awesome strength of the Australians, who arrive in the Caribbean in two weeks time for four Tests and seven One-Day Internationals, was emphasised not so much by those chosen in the 15 but by those omitted.

Any team that can do without Darren Lehmann, Damien Martyn, Michael Bevan, Adam Gilchrist and Michael Kaprowicz is mighty indeed, as the West Indies used to be in the days when the boycott-busting rebels disqualified themselves by seeking recognition, and employment, in apartheid South Africa.

Fiercely competitive and unforgiving at the best of times, the Australians would have noted South Africa's crushing triumphs over the past three months and will not be satisfied with anything less.

It is a daunting prospect for the West Indies and it can only be met by careful planning and preparation, the lack of which proved so detrimental in South Africa.

The 10 days spent bickering over pay and conditions in London was not only an untimely distraction but caused the cancellation of a camp in Johannesburg designed to get body, mind and soul ready for a series of immense significance.

Now, the speculation over the captaincy and The Management, though understandable, is creating a distraction similar to the London stand-off. Like the public, the players have to wait until February 22 to know who will lead them against the Australians.

In the meantime, they disperse to their various territories for Busta Cup cricket which one selector has already proclaimed, and which the scores indicate, to be a sub-standard tournament played on sub-standard pitches.

It gives no opportunity for properly getting a Test team ready, for sorting out present problems, for regenerating unity, for changing attitudes, for improving fitness, for sharpening fielding, for discussing tactics.

With the Busta Cup and Australia's two preliminary matches immovable, there is no time for a camp.

If there happens to be a new captain, as has become more and more likely, he will have precious little time to establish himself before he steps on to the Queen's Park Oval to toss.

In the absence of a preparatory assembly, the WICB need to at least supplement the support staff for the team, an additional expense that the governments should feel obligated to undertake.

A sports psychologist, a permanent attachment to so many international sporting teams these days, has already been recommended. One is needed more than ever and should now be appointed.

An assistant coach, such as South Africa and England have, is required to supplement the work of Malcolm Marshall. Clive Lloyd needs to be given more of a hands-on role in team preparation and selection.

And, as was clearly evident on this tour, fielding is in need of urgent attention.

Last November, Julien Fountain, a specialist in such things, spent four fruitless days in Johannesburg while those he was supposed to demonstrate sliding and throwing techniques developed from baseball were behind closed doors in their Heathrow hotel. He will find plenty of work, at all levels of West Indian cricket.

Above all else in the coming weeks, the selectors have to identify, through their own observations and with guidance from Lloyd and Marshall and others whose judgement they trust, true cricketers. Not posers or slackers who have no appreciation of their professional responsibility and of whom too many have represented the West Indies of late.

They are, in other words, looking for a few more Ridley Jacobs, a few more Shivnarine Chanderpauls. Nothing less will do, either for the immediate challenge against Australia or for the long-term revival of West Indies cricket.