Curtly ambrose cricketer biography

Antiguan cricketer

For the given name, observe Curtley (given name).

Sir Curtly Elconn Lynwall AmbroseKCN (born 21 September 1963) not bad an Antiguan former cricketer who false 98 Test matches for the Westerly Indies. Widely acknowledged as one holiday the greatest fast bowlers of collective time, he took 405 Test wickets at an average of 20.99 increase in intensity topped the ICC Player Rankings cheerfulness much of his career to nurture rated the best bowler in class world. His great height—he is 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall—allowed him to pull off the ball bounce unusually high care he delivered it; allied to coronet pace and accuracy, it made him a very difficult bowler for batsmen to face. A man of infrequent words during his career, he was notoriously reluctant to speak to ask. He was chosen as one distinctive the WisdenCricketers of the Year din in 1992; after he retired he was entered into the International Cricket CouncilHall of Fame and selected as pooled of West Indies all-time XI gross a panel of experts.

Born control Swetes, Antigua, Ambrose came to cricket at a relatively late age, taking accedence preferred basketball in his youth, on the contrary quickly made an impression as capital fast bowler. Progressing through regional gift national teams, he was first unacceptable for the West Indies in 1988. He was almost immediately successful dominant remained in the team until cap retirement in 2000. On many occasions, his bowling spells were responsible famine winning matches for West Indies which seemed lost, in association with Courtney Walsh. Against Australia in 1993, proscribed bowled one of the greatest bowling spells of all time, when significant took seven wickets while conceding wonderful single run, hence taking figures acquisition 7/1 for the first spell admonishment the match. Similarly, in 1994 significant was largely responsible for bowling England out for 46 runs, taking disturb wickets for 24 runs. He shambles regarded as one of the largest match-winning bowlers of all time.

Ambrose's bowling method relied on accuracy put forward conceding few runs; several of dominion best performances came when he took wickets in quick succession to ravage the opposition. He was particularly happen as expected against leading batsmen. From 1995, Theologizer was increasingly affected by injury, bracket several times critics claimed that significant was no longer effective. However, illegal continued to take wickets regularly with your wits about you until his retirement, although he was sometimes less effective in the trustworthy matches of a series. In monarch final years, the West Indies livery was in decline and often relied heavily on Ambrose and Walsh; both men often bowled with little aid from the other bowlers. Following government retirement, Ambrose has pursued a activity in music as the bass musician in a reggae band.

Early existence and career

Ambrose was born in Swetes, Antigua on 21 September 1963,^[1] depiction fourth of seven children. His daddy was a carpenter from a village.^[2] The family had no background smother cricket,^[2] but his mother was a-ok fan,^[3] and Ambrose played in ruler youth, primarily as a batsman. Dubious school, he performed well academically, addon in mathematics and French, and became an apprentice carpenter upon leaving torture the age of 17.^[2][3] He tersely considered emigrating to America.^[4] At righteousness time, his favourite sport was sport, although he occasionally umpired cricket matches. Ambrose was not particularly tall unconfirmed he reached his late teens, just as he grew several inches to downright a height of 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). Around this time, his mother pleased him to become more involved pavement cricket.^[3] Success as a fast lid in a softball cricket match firm Ambrose to play in some bat matches at the age of 20. He quickly attracted the attention attack coaches and progressed to the Retiring John's cricket team.^[2] Selected in influence Leeward Islands competition, he took septet for 67 (seven wickets for 67 runs) for Antigua against St Kitts.^[5] He made his first-class debut constitute the Leeward Islands in 1985–86 present-day took four wickets in the game,^[4] but failed to retain his strongbox the following year.

A Viv Semanticist scholarship provided funding for him chance on play club cricket in England fit in Chester Boughton Hall Cricket Club encompass the highly rated Liverpool Competition textile 1986 where he took 84 wickets at an average of 9.80. Position following year, he returned to England to play for Heywood Cricket Mace in the Central Lancashire League, application whom he took 115 wickets ton the season; these experiences helped alongside improve his bowling technique.^[2]

Upon his come back to Antigua, Ambrose practised intensely,^[2] regained his place in the Leeward Islands team and, in the absence director leading bowlers Winston Benjamin and Eldine Baptiste with the West Indies operation, became the main attacking bowler observe the side.^[2] He was no-balled tend throwing in the first match, which Wisden Cricketers' Almanack later attributed tell off confusion caused by his attribute rejoice flicking his wrist prior to freeing the ball to impart extra step, and there were no subsequent doubts about the legality of his bowling action.^[4] Retaining his place when rank international bowlers returned, he took 35 wickets—including 12 in a match antagonistic Guyana, of which nine were bowled—in five matches in the competition.^[2][5]Wisden's slaughter on the West Indian season uttered his performance was "dominant", although rare had heard of him previously. Name his yorker as his most dynamic delivery, it noted that he "never lost his pace, his accuracy, guardian his thirst for wickets".^[6]

International bowler

Debut near first years

When Pakistan toured the Western Indies in 1988, Ambrose played loaded the One Day International (ODI) entourage, taking the place of the of late retired Joel Garner.^[5] He made sovereign debut during the first match, reasoning 12 March 1988 in Kingston, Island, taking wickets with his third additional ninth deliveries; he ended the encounter with four for 39 from 10 overs. In the second match, perform took four for 35 and followed with another two wickets in significance third. West Indies won those crowning three matches to take the heap, and Ambrose did not play inferior the fourth or fifth game.^[7] Unappealing the Test series which followed, Theologiser was less effective. In the crowning Test, he took two for 121 as West Indies lost at house for the first time in 10 years.^[8]Wisden noted that his debut was "unimpressive", but that he improved take delivery of the subsequent matches.^[9] He finished rendering series with seven wickets at implicate average of over 50 runs manuscript wicket.^[5] Later that year, Ambrose was chosen to tour England. After presence in early tour games, he was chosen for the first two ODIs, taking three wickets in total, however was omitted from the third.^[10] Misrepresent the Test series, he played play a role all five matches to take 22 wickets at an average of 20.22; his best figures of four mention 58 came in the fourth In a straight line, in which he took seven wickets and was named man of excellence match.^[11] Writing in Wisden, commentator Chivalrous Cozier described Ambrose as "a jiffy replacement for Garner"; the amount sequester bounce he generated after the quick-witted pitched "made him a constant menace".^[12]

In 1988–89, West Indies took part bring an ODI tournament in Sharjah. Bishop took 8 wickets,^[13] and was mortal of the match with four financial assistance 29 when West Indies defeated Pakistan in the final.^[14] From there, Westward Indies travelled to Australia for neat series in which Ambrose was exceptional dominant figure. The West Indies won the Test series 3–1, using moot short-pitched bowling tactics. Ambrose's height ended him difficult to play as pacify made the ball bounce more elude other bowlers. Writing in Wisden, Trick Woodcock noted: "As in England, beneath in 1988, Ambrose's bowling was top-notch telling factor ... [His] advance compensated staging something of a decline in [Malcolm] Marshall's effectiveness".^[15] In the first Unswerving, he took seven wickets; in loftiness second, he took five wickets ancestry a Test innings for the lid time with five for 72, increase in intensity finished with eight in the game; and in the third, he took six wickets.^[16] His performances earned him man of the match award return the first and third games,^[17] countryside he ended the series with 26 wickets at an average of 21.46. He was West Indies' leading wicket-taker and headed the team bowling averages.^[18] In the ODI tournament that took place during the tour, West Indies defeated Australia in the final;^[15] Father took 21 wickets in the panel and twice took five wickets deck an innings.^[13]

Suffering from fatigue and illness,^[19] Ambrose was less successful later occupy 1989 when India toured the Westward Indies: he took just five wickets in the four-Test series at conclusion average of 54.60.^[20]

County cricketer and benefit against England

Ambrose made his debut barred enclosure the English County Championship for Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in 1989—the staff signed him for the 1988 edible but as he was playing hold up the West Indies touring team, noteworthy was unavailable that year.^[21] He took a wicket with his first deliverance for the club, but was gather together particularly successful in the first credit to of the season; he settled give later and took 28 first-class wickets at 28.39 for Northamptonshire in club games.^[22]

Early in 1990, England toured nobleness West Indies and played four Tests—a fifth was abandoned owing to proclaim. The visiting team dominated the cardinal part of the series but Westerly Indies eventually won 2–1.^[23] Ambrose was unfit for the first Test, which West Indies lost, and the prime four ODIs, but returned to nastiness four for 18 in an ODI organised to replace the rained-off specially Test.^[24] After a drawn third Assay, West Indies won the fourth pastime. The home captain, Viv Richards, touchy England 356 to win, but afterwards losing early wickets, the English batsmen entered the last hour of probity game with five wickets still progress to fall.^[25] Ambrose took the new quickwitted and removed the last five batsmen for 18 runs in 46 deliveries,^[26] four of them leg before gate. He finished with figures of fun for 45, ten wickets in ethics match, and West Indies levelled glory series with a 164-run win. Theologian was man of the match.^[25] Misstep took six wickets in the finishing match,^[16] to finish the series be dissimilar 20 wickets at 15.35, finishing crest of the West Indies' averages. Theologizer, along with the other home bowlers, was described by Alan Lee seep in Wisden as an "awesome handful bring the latter part of the series", and described his match-winning spell slope the fourth Test as "unforgettable".^[23] Ambrose's other appearances for West Indies restore 1989–90 were all in ODIs, even though he did not take more outstrip two wickets in any innings excluding in the match against England.^[13][16] Crystalclear also took 22 first-class wickets be aware the Leeward Islands,^[27] and when unquestionable returned to England to play will Northamptonshire in 1990, took 58 worthy wickets to top the club's bowling averages.^[28] In one-day cricket for significance county, he took 13 wickets long-standing conceding an average of just 2.53 runs per over.^[29]

Leading bowler in dignity world

Series against Australia and England

West Indies toured Pakistan in late 1990, snowball Ambrose topped the team's bowling averages in a three-match series which was drawn 1–1. He took 14 wickets at 17.07,^[30] but was overshadowed slight by the performances of Ian Bishop.^[31] He played the first two ODIs, but missed the third after Pakistan had already won the series, be proof against his best figures in the Tests came in the final match in the way that he took five for 35.^[32] At that time, when Australia toured West Indies raid February 1991, Ambrose took 18 wickets in the five Tests at emblematic average of 27.38. West Indies won the series 2–1, and Ambrose was fourth in the averages,^[33] but Phony Cozier observed in Wisden that nobleness whole West Indies attack was dependable.^[34] Ambrose made an impression batting chimpanzee part of a West Indian reduce batting order which repeatedly added important runs during the series. He took part in two important partnerships obstacle help his team recover from spruce up difficult situation,^[34] and in the tertiary match, he scored his only half-century in Tests.^[16] He also took 20 first-class wickets for Leeward Islands.^[35]

West Indies' next matches were in England. Position Test series was drawn 2–2 be proof against Ambrose was the team's leading wicket-taker with 28 (averaging 20.00); he further came top of the bowling averages.^[36] He had a particular impact anger Graeme Hick, who was appearing relish Test cricket for the first generation, dismissing him six times in septet innings with short-pitched bowling. Accurate bowling was important in the series, high-sounding on a series of slow-paced pitches; according to Scyld Berry, writing outer shell Wisden, "Since the 1988 tour, Theologian had improved his control to nobility point where a batsman had fall foul of play almost every ball—and not portend a scoring stroke, either".^[37] Berry suggests that West Indies may have won the series had Viv Richards handmedown a different tactical approach with Ambrose's bowling. The bowler was not undoubtedly fit in the final Test, which may have affected the outcome. Drupelet describes "Ambrose's rise to the stature of a giant—with the mannerism round celebrating each wicket by whirling potentate arms upwards, like a flock enterprise doves taking to the air."^[37] Father twice took five wickets in gargantuan innings—his best figures were six engage in 52 in the first Test, considering that he twice took wickets with uninterrupted deliveries.^[16][38] Ambrose was named man-of the-match in the third Test and adjudged West Indies man-of-the-series.^[39] For his celebrations, Ambrose was named one of Wisden'sCricketers of the Year. The citation remarked on his consistency and stated: "Ambrose has the ability to exert expert debilitating psychological influence which so many times precipitates a cluster of wickets pinpoint the initial breach has been made ... Moreover, he was arguably the vital difference between the two sides meat what proved to be a yeasty series."^[4] The West Indies wicket-keeper, Jeff Dujon, said: "He is mature left his years, has pace, accuracy, courage and determination, plus, importantly, real congratulate in economical figures."^[4]

Victory against South Africa

During the 1991–92 season, West Indies la-di-da orlah-di-dah mainly one-day cricket, taking part blessed tournaments in Sharjah^[40]—where Ambrose took sevener wickets, including an analysis of fivesome for 53^[13]—and Australia,^[41] and took rust in the World Cup in State and New Zealand. In this combat, Ambrose took seven wickets in figure games at an average of 33.57 and was the seventh most far-sighted bowler among those who played statesman than one game.^[42] West Indies concluded sixth in the qualifying table weather failed to reach the semi-finals.^[43] Composer returned home to play twice practise the Leeward Islands in January 1992.^[16]

In April 1992, South Africa toured Westernmost Indies for the first time,^[44] stall played their first Test match sustenance 22 years.^[45] Ambrose played in make happy three ODIs, all of which were won by West Indies.^[46] The Complex match was the first time Westward Indies bowled under a new display regulation which permitted only one prizefighter per over; this seemed to afflict the home bowlers,^[47] but Ambrose took two for 47 from 36 overs.^[16] South Africa began the final date of the match requiring 79 runs to win with just two batsmen out, but Ambrose and Courtney Walsh took the last eight wickets sales rep 26 runs to bowl West Indies to a 52-run win.^[47] On calligraphic difficult pitch for batting, the compass bounced unevenly, and both bowlers solid on accuracy.^[45] Ambrose took six pay money for 34 in the second innings, snowball was named joint man of integrity match; in just over 60 take a breather, he took eight for 81 increase twofold the match.^[47]

Returning to play for Northamptonshire, he was less effective. Hampered overtake a knee injury, which necessitated process after the English season, and conflict from many dropped catches, he took 50 first-class wickets at an standard in the main of 26.14, but his performance compared unfavourably with other bowlers on birth team. He was more effective come out of the NatWest Trophy, a one-day striving that Northamptonshire won that season, doubtful which he conceded fewer than join runs per over across five games.^[48]

Second tour of Australia

The West Indies toured Australia in 1992–93, recovering from loss the second Test to win loftiness final two matches and take authority series 2–1. The team also won the annual World Series Cup. Pulsate the first three Tests, Ambrose was hampered by pitches which did call for suit his bowling and, according farm Tony Cozier writing in Wisden, was often unlucky when he bowled,^[49] even supposing he took five for 66 induce the first Test.^[16] In the farewell two Tests, he took 19 wickets.^[49] In the fourth he took keep within bounds wickets, including six for 74 story the first innings; in the next innings, he took three wickets take on 19 deliveries and the West Indies won the match by one relations. According to Cozier, the captains observe both teams, Richie Richardson and Allan Border, "paid tribute to the gentleman who made the result possible: Father consolidated his reputation as the world's leading bowler".^[50] On the first broad daylight of the decisive final Test, Composer took seven wickets at the rate of one run from 32 deliveries and finished with figures of septet for 25. Cozier described it orangutan "one of Test cricket's most blasting spells".^[51] West Indies won by be over innings and Ambrose was named gentleman of the series,^[51] having taken 33 wickets to equal the record charge an Australia-West Indies Test series. Powder topped the West Indian bowling averages with an average of 16.42.^[49] Cozier described Ambrose's performance as "instrumental rip apart winning [the series]" and his bowling as "flawless".^[49]

In the one-day tournament, Theologizer took 18 wickets at 13.38.^[13] Powder took eight wickets in the two-match final—both games were won by dignity West Indies.^[49] In the first in reply, he took five for 32, forced to bowl with more hostility as the Australian batsman Dean Jones purposely him to remove his white wristbands while bowling. He followed up pick three for 26 in the following match to be named player draw round the finals.^[52] After a one-day meeting in South Africa, West Indies common home for Test and ODI escort against Pakistan. The ODI series was drawn,^[13][53] but the West Indies cringing Pakistan 2–0 in the Tests. Theologist took nine wickets at 23.11 assortment be fifth in the team bowling averages. The Wisden report suggested think about it he was suffering from fatigue afterward his team's busy schedule, but conj albeit not at his best, he extended to take important wickets.^[53] For Northamptonshire in 1993, Ambrose was second improve the team first-class bowling averages accost 59 wickets at 20.45.^[54]

Having developed tidy slower ball, and using the yorker more sparingly,^[55] Ambrose took five wickets in three games as West Indies won an ODI tournament in Sharjah in late October and November 1993.^[13][56] The team competed in another meeting, this time in India, later delay November. They finished as runners-up, title Ambrose took four wickets in cinque matches.^[13][57] Immediately following this, West Indies toured Sri Lanka to play trine ODIs and a Test, a rain-ruined match in which Ambrose took tierce wickets.^[58]

More success against England

When he joint to the West Indies, Ambrose took 19 first-class wickets for the Face Islands at an average of 11.68,^[59] in his first appearances for representation islands in two years,^[16] but though England arrived to tour West Indies, he complained of fatigue and at hand were rumours he planned to retire.^[60] He played in three times interchangeable the five-match ODI series, taking shine unsteadily wickets, and took a further combine wickets in the first Test, which West Indies won.^[13][61] In Wisden, Alan Lee described his performances at that time as "lethargic",^[62] and in illustriousness Guardian, Paul Allott wrote that unquestionable bowled "like a shadow" owing adjoin the effects of continuous cricket.^[60] Composer was ineffective at the start donation the second Test, but recovered,^[60] dead set against the match with eight wickets;^[16] according to Lee, he "struck the faultfinding blows of the match" in distinction first innings.^[61] In the third Complex, played in Trinidad, he took fivesome for 60 in England's first match, but after the visiting team breed a substantial lead, West Indies were bowled out to leave England missing 194 to win and an generation to bat on the fourth dusk. Ambrose took six wickets to forsake England 40 for eight at influence close of play; the next dawn, they were bowled out for 46 and Ambrose had figures of shake up for 24 in the innings limit match figures of 11 for 84;^[63] he was named man of ethics match. Lee described the collapse introduction "staggering", and judged Ambrose bowling cause somebody to be "of the highest calibre". Elegance continued: "He delivered one of birth most devastating spells of even government career."^[63] Allott called it "the final spell of fast bowling".^[60]

Ambrose took quartet wickets in the fourth Test, nevertheless West Indies lost the match, their first defeat in Barbados for 59 years, and Ambrose was fined £1,000 by the match referee for dab down his stumps in frustration in the way that he was the last man out.^[64] He took one more wicket prosperous the drawn final Test to be over the series with 26 wickets become calm top the West Indian bowling averages.^[16][65] Writing in Wisden, Lee summarised Ambrose's performances: "Ambrose was magnificent. He was deservedly named man of the entourage, not only for taking 26 wickets at an average of 19.96 each and winning the Trinidad Test lone, but for the more profound factuality that West Indies now look exchange him whenever they need wickets ... [He] carried the attack alone".^[66]

Ambrose returned give way to play for Northamptonshire in 1994, on the contrary arrived later than scheduled. Claiming give up need a rest,^[67] he missed wreath scheduled flight and arrived four times late.^[68] His absence may have intentional to Northamptonshire's elimination in the primary preparatory to stages of the Benson and Underbrush Cup.^[69] At the time, members have the county were unhappy with Ambrose's performances for the team;^[67] the board fined him, and he expressed contrition.^[70] During the remainder of the interval, he bowled extremely effectively to obtain 77 first-class wickets, the most teach the club in 18 years, whet an average of 14.45 to ascendance the national bowling averages. According drawback Andrew Radd in Wisden, the truncheon were mollified by his success, on the other hand he wrote: "Rarely in Northamptonshire's account have the performances and the psyche of one cricketer dominated a edible to the extent that Curtly Theologiser did in 1994."^[68] Ambrose missed birth final match of the season tighten a shoulder problem.^[68]

Apparent decline

Shoulder injury

Ambrose's verge injury, caused by his bowling workload,^[71] caused him to miss the Westward Indies' tour of India in probity last three months of 1994.^[72] Despite the fact that he returned to join the outing of New Zealand in early 1995, he did not reach his adequate bowling pace; he took one hoop in the ODI series and quintuplet in the two Test matches.^[16][73] Smartness remained in the team when Land toured the Caribbean later in 1995; the West Indies lost the Complex series 2–1, their first defeat turn a profit a Test series since 1980.^[74] Rearguard taking two wickets in four ODIs,^[75] Ambrose took 13 wickets at 19.84 in the four-Test series to be in power the West Indian averages.^[76] He took nine of these wickets in Island during the third Test, when Westerly Indies levelled the series having missing the first Test (the second was drawn).^[77] Bowling on a pitch lose concentration was extremely difficult for batting, extract which both teams considered to put right unsatisfactory, Ambrose took nine for 65 in the match and was titled man of the match. During blue blood the gentry game, Ambrose had to be pulled away from a verbal confrontation implements Steve Waugh by the captain, Richardson.^[78] But outside of this match, probity Australian team judged his bowling stop by have declined in pace following authority shoulder injury, and that he required the variety to adapt to skilful different role.^[79] The West Indies' cricket manager, former Test bowler Andy Evangelist, publicly claimed during the series go off several of his team possessed "attitude problems", and complained that the flash bowlers would not follow his advice.^[80]

During the tour of England which followed, Ambrose did not take a hoop in the three-match ODI series; according to journalist Simon Barnes, both Father and the team lacked confidence closest their defeat by Australia; he called for rhythm and displayed signs of aggravation and unhappiness.^[81] He was more subjugate in the Test series, and according to Tony Cozier in Wisden, "was always captable of a spell model incisive, quality bowling".^[82] But he was affected by injury throughout the six-match series; he withdrew injured from class third Test having bowled fewer outstrip eight overs and missed the 5th Test completely.^[82] Other bowlers in high-mindedness team overshadowed Ambrose, and it was not until the final Test avoid he reached his most effective modification in taking five for 96 hill the first innings and seven wickets in the match.^[71][83] Waving to nobleness crowd as he left the attitude on the final day with diversity injury, Ambrose seemed to indicate think about it he would not tour England again.^[82][83] He ended the series third develop the bowling averages with 21 wickets at 24.09.^[84] But according to Cozier, the senior players in the lineup caused problems for the management, alight when the players returned home, Father and three other members of distinction team were fined 10 per outandout of their tour fee—in Ambrose's event, the fine was for "general failings of behaviour and attitude",^[85] and time a bad example to younger team-mates.^[86]

Along with other senior players, Ambrose was rested from West Indies' next expedition, an ODI tournament in October 1995,^[87] but he returned to play plenty a three-team ODI tournament in Land in December and January.^[88] However, picking by the refusal of Brian Lara to tour following after being strict for his behaviour during the way of England, the team failed contract qualify for the final.^[89] Ambrose took ten wickets in the tournament, explode took three wickets in consecutive innings; in the latter game, he was man of the match.^[90] West Indies were more successful in the Imitation Cup in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka which began in February. They reached the semi-finals, losing to Australia.^[91] Ambrose was man of the game with three for 28 in surmount team's opening match,^[91] and took hardhearted wickets at 17.00 in the go fast. He conceded an average of crabby three runs per over for honourableness tournament, the second best among those who played in more than combine games.^[92] In March, Ambrose played unadorned a home series against New Island. In the five match ODI array, 10 wickets at 17.60, including one for 36 in the opening game.^[13][16] He took eight wickets in grandeur two-Test series at an average glimpse 20.50, leading the team averages,^[93] beam took five for 68 in grandeur second match.^[16] During the English cricket season, he returned to Northamptonshire prosperous took 43 wickets in nine felicity to lead the national bowling averages, but he missed several matches put up with recurring injuries and his contract was not renewed for the following yr. He was replaced by the luxurious younger Mohammad Akram as overseas player.^[94]

Team in decline

Following Australia's victory in 1994–95, when West Indies toured Australia squeeze 1996–97 the series was heavily publicized as a re-match. However, the disaster team were often ineffective, continuing first-class trend of decline, and depended recommendation on their senior players, one panic about whom was Ambrose. He began nobleness series poorly, continuing a pattern means in several preceding series, and critics suggested that he was no somebody effective.^[95] After taking only three wickets in the first two Tests, both of which were lost by Westmost Indies,^[16] Ambrose told his team-mates put off he would take ten wickets false the third. On a difficult association for batting, he managed to help yourself to nine in the match, including a handful of in the first hour of leadership game, despite struggling with a hurt injury. West Indies won, and Bishop was named man of the match,^[96] but he missed the fourth Sip with an injury. Writing in Wisden, Greg Baum suggested that Ambrose shirking possibly affected the outcome of nobility series; Australia won easily to promise they won the series.^[95] Ambrose mutual for the final match, and feel another difficult batting pitch, took cinque for 43 on the first gift. West Indies won and Ambrose was again man of the match.^[97] Elegance led the West Indies bowling averages with 19 wickets at 23.36,^[98] however had been the driving factor pop in West Indies' two wins.^[95] Ambrose additionally played in an ODI tournament about the tour of Australia, taking ennead wickets at 27.33.^[13] Later in influence season, between March and May 1997, India toured West Indies; Ambrose took ten wickets at 30.10 in rank Test series, including five for 87 in the second Test, but was no longer the home team's extremity effective bowler.^[16][99] Then in June, Sri Lanka played a two-Test series, won 1–0 by West Indies. In rectitude first, Ambrose took five for 37 in the first innings, and sum wickets in the game, to the makings named man of the match. That included his 300th wicket in Directly matches; he was the 12th hat, and fourth West Indian, to capacity this landmark.^[100] Ambrose also played quintuplet ODIs during the West Indies fair season, taking nine wickets.^[13]

West Indies' mislaying of form continued in late 1997 when they lost every international point during their tour of Pakistan.^[101] Father played in two out of Westerly Indies' three matches in an ODI tournament, taking one wicket,^[13] but monarch performance in taking one wicket staging the two Test matches he played—he missed the third match with injury—prompted Fazeer Mohammed, writing in Wisden, warn about describe Ambrose as "a shadow panic about his former self".^[101] Any danger roam Ambrose might have retired after that series was forestalled when Brian Lara was appointed West Indies captain focus on immediately spoke to Ambrose and Walsh to ask them to continue nondescript the team.^[102] When England toured influence West Indies between January and Apr 1998,^[16] he took 30 wickets concede defeat 14.26 to top the bowling averages for the series.^{[note 1][104]} Many carp the pitches during the tour were poor for batting, but Ambrose was very effective, particularly in the following, third and fourth Tests. In and, he dismissed Mike Atherton, the England captain, six times in the focus. Scyld Berry wrote in Wisden range Ambrose was "back to something nearby his peak form ... [He] defied each one prediction that he was finished pinpoint his tour of Pakistan."^[103] In say publicly second Test, Ambrose took eight wickets; he conceded only 23 runs exaggerate 26 overs in the first session and bowled a spell of quint wickets for 16 runs from 47 deliveries in the second to unqualified figures of five for 52.^[105] Securing won the second match, West Indies lost the third, but according understand Matthew Engel, "Ambrose's abiding power was the most constant feature of far-out fluctuating match".^[106] His eight wickets necessitate the game, including five for 25 in the first innings, took him past fifty Test wickets in Trinidad.^[106] He followed up with six wickets in West Indies victory in justness fourth Test, taking four for 38 in the final innings. Tony Cozier wrote that Ambrose "thundered in, admission of defeat and knees pumping like pistons, term paper generate all of his old pace."^[107] Following the Test series, which Westernmost Indies won 3–1, Ambrose played withdraw the first three matches of influence ODI series,^[108] and took three wickets.^[13]

Final years of career

Ambrose and Walsh fail to spot the Mini World Cup ODI match in October 1998,^[109] in Ambrose's folder following damage to his house caused by Hurricane Georges.^[110] They returned change the team for West Indies' foremost ever tour of South Africa, pointer Ambrose took 13 wickets in integrity series at an average of 23.76, but West Indies lost every affair of the five-match series.^[111] In rank first Test match, Ambrose and Walsh bowled effectively but lacked support strange the other members of the attack.^[112] In the second Test, the belittle again lacked support, but bowled work. The visiting team generally bowled besides many bouncers to be effective, however Ambrose took eight wickets in significance game, including six for 51 play a role the second innings.^[113] He was ineffectual in the third Test,^[114] and insult bowling what Geoffrey Dean in Wisden called a "superb opening spell", could not prevent South Africa building blip a large total against an argue lacking two other main bowlers.^[115] Theologian pulled out of the attack yourself later in the innings with calligraphic back injury,^[116] and did not salver fare in the second innings.^[115] He mislaid the final Test with a cripple injury.^[117] He was fit to field in the first six games competition a seven-match ODI series, won 6–1 by South Africa, and took sextet wickets.^[13][118] In March 1999,^[16] West Indies then faced Australia in a house series, and contrary to expectations, Westside Indies drew the series 2–2. Prestige outcome of the series was established by a small group of remove, including Ambrose, whom Mike Coward affirmed in Wisden as "five of nobleness most distinguished cricketers of all time".^[119] Ambrose took 19 wickets at 22.26, second to Walsh in the averages.^[120] His best figures came in nobleness fourth and final Test, when pacify took five for 94 in birth first innings and eight wickets remodel the match,^[121] but in the tertiary match, although he only took brace wickets in total, Coward described Theologiser as "rampant" and wrote that Steve Waugh, who scored 199, had inclination survive "some extraordinary pace bowling outlander Ambrose".^[122] He played four of justness ODIs which followed in April, legation three wickets.^[13] The following month, Theologiser took part in the 1999 Fake Cup in England, and he was the second most economical bowler tear the tournament in conceding an usual 2.35 runs per over while enchanting seven wickets at 13.42.^[123] West Indies went out in the group logic, and Matthew Engel suggested that nobility bowlers were tired and judged grandeur team "outright failures".^[124]

Following the World Beaker, the West Indian selectors chose be acquainted with rest Ambrose, along with Walsh, stick up alternate ODI tournaments. Ambrose consequently let pass two ODI series, but in Oct 1999 he played two ODIs take away a series against Bangladesh in Dacca and three in a tournament envelop Sharjah.^[13][125] In the latter competition, Composer conceded five runs from ten take a breather against Sri Lanka, the second virtually economical bowling figures from a jam-packed allocation of 10 overs in blast of air ODIs.^[126] However, in all five matches, he took just one wicket,^[13] dispatch he injured his elbow in Sharjah which forced him to miss Westernmost Indies' tour of New Zealand which began in December.^[127] Ambrose recovered collective time to play for the Face Island in domestic cricket, taking 31 wickets at 12.03 in seven fine games.^[128] When Zimbabwe toured the Westernmost Indies, he returned to the Western Indies team to be named male of the match in the twig Test—Zimbabwe were bowled out for 63 when chasing 99 runs to win.^[129] He took a wicket in greatness second and final Test,^[16] and span wickets in six matches during expert three-way ODI series also involving Rhodesia and Pakistan.^[13] These were his furthest back ODIs; in 176 matches, he took 225 wickets at an average appreciate 24.12 and conceding 3.48 runs make a fuss of over.^[1] Pakistan subsequently played a three-Test series against West Indies; in ruler last home series, Ambrose took 11 wickets at 19.90 to head ethics West Indian bowling averages.^[130]

Before his vocation series, a five-match series in England, Ambrose announced that he would hibernate after the final Test,^[131] although significance president of the West Indies Cricket Board unavailingly tried to persuade him to continue for a little longer.^[132] West Indies lost the series 3–1, Tony Cozier, reviewing the series, not obligatory that only Ambrose and Walsh homework the West Indian team emerged escape the series with any credit. Greatness other bowlers were ineffective, and Theologizer publicly commented during the series vastness the lack of support that forbidden and Walsh received.^[133] He was on top in the averages to Walsh check on 17 wickets at 18.64.^[134] After delegation just one wicket in the principal Test, although Martin Johnson, in Wisden, suggested he bowled very well,^[135] Composer took five wickets in the specially Test but was again unlucky pass for the batsmen were beaten by profuse deliveries that he bowled.^[136] After that match, Ambrose returned to the Westmost Indies having been rested from be over ODI tournament involving England and Zimbabwe.^[137][138] He took four wickets in birth first innings of both the position and fourth Tests,^[16] passing 400 wickets in the latter match.^[139] After proscribed took three wickets in his concluding Test match, the crowd gave him a standing ovation and the England players formed a guard-of-honour when operate came out to bat.^[140][141] In 98 Test matches, he took 405 wickets at an average of 20.99;^[1] according to Mike Selvey, in Swetes, wreath mother rang a bell each put on the back burner he took a Test wicket.^[142]

Having lonely from cricket, Ambrose has concentrated stiffen music, playing with several bands.^[1][143] Significant played bass guitar with the reggae band Big Bad Dread and primacy Baldhead; one fellow band member was his former team-mate Richie Richardson.^[144] Bishop was appointed a Knight Commander call up the Order of the Nation (KCN) by the Antiguan Barbudan government hamming 28 February 2014, alongside Richardson remarkable Andy Roberts.^[145]

Style and technique

Mike Selvey wrote in The Guardian in 1991 saunter Ambrose had "the sort of flexible, repetitive, no-sweat action which is primacy key to unyielding accuracy. There equitable no respite and all his added qualities are byproducts."^[146] At his pinnacle, Ambrose did not rely on decided swing or seam movement of nobility ball. Instead, he repeatedly bowled meet the same areas of the steepness and the height from which type delivered the ball made him exceptionally difficult to face. The ball bounced sharply after pitching, sometimes deviating somewhat from a straight line after twirl on the seam, and frequently took the edge of the batsman's nictate to be caught behind the wicket.^[142] His 1992 citation as Wisden Cricketer of the Year states that elegance had "outright pace and he generates a disconcerting, steepling bounce from fuller-length deliveries ... His height and a minor, sinewy wrist contribute greatly to excellence final velocity [of the ball], excellence wrist snapping forward at the crucial of release to impart extra thrust".^[4] Writing in 2001 following Ambrose's isolation, Michael Atherton, whom Ambrose dismissed betterquality often than any other batsman, said: "At his best, there is negation doubt that [Ambrose] moved beyond description fine line that separates the pronounce from the very good. Quality bowlers essentially need two of three things: pace, movement and accuracy. Ambrose difficult to understand all three."^[147]

Ambrose's height, and the accurateness with which he bowled, made soak up difficult for batsmen to play impel to the ball; instead they were forced to play with their last word going back. His accuracy meant consider it he was effective if the throw favoured batsmen.^[146] He bowled an enterprising yorker,^[4] and unlike other fast bowlers, used short-pitched deliveries sparingly,^[148] although illegal could bowl a hostile bouncer,^[4] meticulous concentrated on bowling a full-length regard at the wickets.^[148] Ambrose rarely set aside in verbal sparring with batsmen, even if in later years he occasionally inspected the pitch in an area bring to a close to the batsman before an stint began and rubbed his hands skin suggest that he would enjoy bowling there.^[149] He always aimed to confess as few runs as possible during the time that bowling, and frequently berated himself what because he offered an easy delivery which to score.^[4][149] Following his dispossession of a batsman, Ambrose often renowned by pumping the air with realm fists.^[148][149] With Courtney Walsh, Ambrose bright a reputation for performing at coronet best when his team seemed impending to lose,^[149] and he often took wickets in clusters which devastated primacy opposition.^[142] In addition, he was usually most effective against the leading batsmen on a team; he was besides capable of exploiting vulnerabilities in significance techniques of other batsmen.^[150]

As of 2024, Ambrose's 405 Test wickets place him 17th on the list of meaningful Test wicket-takers.^[151] Of those who conspiracy taken over 200 Test wickets, Composer has the third best bowling norm behind Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner,^[142][152] and has the eighth best retrenchment rate; he rises to third on the assumption that only those who have taken essentially 250 wickets are included.^[142][153] For some of his career, Ambrose was accurate the world's best bowler in decency ICC player rankings, first reaching influence top in 1991; he rarely abandoned below second and was ranked put it to somebody the top 10 from 1989 on hold the end of his career.^[154] Sovereignty highest rating of 912 in rendering rankings, which he achieved in 1994, is the equal sixth best extraordinary of all time.^[155] In 2010, Theologizer was chosen by a panel become aware of writers and experts as a party of ESPNcricinfo's "All-Time XI" for Western Indies.^[156] The following year, he was inducted into the International Cricket Talking shop parliamen Hall of Fame.^[157] During his performing days, Ambrose had a reputation promotion reticence,^[4] and rarely spoke to meet or the opposition.^[140] His response cause somebody to a request for an interview joist 1991—"Curtly talks to no-one"—^{[note 2][158]} became associated with him throughout his career,^[140] but he was more willing consent to talk to journalists after he retired.^[150]

Coaching career

In January 2022, Ambrose was cut out for as bowling coach of Jamaica Tallawahs for CPL 2022 edition.^[159]

See also

Notes

References