Brian Lara is the captain of a side struggling to find their form

Former chairman of selectors Sir Viv Richards was among those leading the criticism of the Trinidadian star.

But Howard said: "Results in the Test series have not been satisfactory.

"But this has not diminished the commitment and support that the team has expressed in the captain and in his ability to bring out the best in them."

Brian Lara revealed after defeat at Edgbaston that he had no intention of resigning his job

And Howard said he believed the player remained "committed as ever to the endeavour of raising the quality of West Indies cricket."

The manager added: "He is as disappointed as our many fans in the end result achieved in the Tests."

Spare a thought for Lara - a fantastic talent who is weak on support - hang in there Brian From Matthew Cleeve Have your say on TMS

West Indies have enjoyed little success since Lara took on the captaincy for a second time in 2003, losing in South Africa and against England in the Caribbean.

Sunday's loss at Edgbaston was their fifth defeat in six Tests to Michael Vaughan's side.

Richards, who recently resigned as West Indies Cricket Board's chairman of selectors, had said in the middle of the second Test that Lara could no longer motivate the team.

"Brian Lara must take a long, hard look at himself," he said in his new guise as a BBC Test Match Special summariser.