England are ending 2008 exactly as they began it - desperately in need of a Test series victory after far too many defeats for a side supposedly with sights set on top spot.

This time last year, they had just lost at home to India and away to Sri Lanka. Now, despite a vibrant new captain in Kevin Pietersen, a summer defeat by South Africa has been followed, predictably, by another reverse on the subcontinent.

Remember those heady days in 2005 when the Ashes were regained and England considered themselves genuine contenders to take over as the world's No1? Long gone, it seems, with five of their last eight series lost and plenty of question marks about a squad that looks in need of a shake-up.

It is not only Ian Bell, Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar who are flying home from India to face an uncertain future, however, after a 1-0 defeat. Coach Peter Moores will certainly feel the heat if West Indies are not seen off over four Tests in March and April.

"We have targets that people are expected to achieve, and we expect people to do better than those targets, like any other business," said ECB chairman Giles Clarke before England's final match of the year in Mohali. "We have to have a successful Test side."

Clarke was talking about no-one in particular but the message will not be lost on Moores.

England have to beat West Indies away, and then beat them again at home immediately before next summer's Ashes series, to create a bit of confidence.

"I don't think captaining any nation in any sport is an easy job," said Pietersen. "You acknowledge when you take on the job that it's going to be very hard at times. But when the good times come back again you can enjoy them a lot more."

The good times need to start again in February.