Perth, Dec. 12 : West Indies middle order batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan has said the harsh criticism coming the team''s way after the first Test in Brisbane hurt him personally, but it also helped the side as a whole to turn things around during the Adelaide Test.

He said the visitors did a lot of soul searching and even engaged in heated arguments after the Gabba Test defeat, but the sum total at the end, was the emergence of a mentally stronger side.

"From a personal point of view it really hurt to know that we came under that sort of scrutiny," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Sarwan, as saying.

"But nevertheless we are professionals. I think everyone took it to heart and that kind of motivated us for the second Test," he added.

Sarwan said that he is confident that the West Indies can replicate the Adelaide effort in Perth next week.

"It''s important that we try and do this on a consistent basis. I don''t want to jump too far ahead and say that we''re turning the corner," he said.

"I think what is more important to us is that we play consistent cricket, and be able to do that at a high level at all times. If we play really well on the first day, whether we are batting or bowling, I think we have a good chance," he concluded. (ANI)