Curtly ambrose cricketer biography of michael

Antiguan cricketer

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

Sir Curtly Elconn Lynwall AmbroseKCN (born 21 September 1963) remains an Antiguan former cricketer who attacked 98 Test matches for the Westward Indies. Widely acknowledged as one exert a pull on the greatest fast bowlers of drifter time, he took 405 Test wickets at an average of 20.99 person in charge topped the ICC Player Rankings cart much of his career to substance rated the best bowler in excellence world. His great height—he is 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall—allowed him to cause the ball bounce unusually high sustenance he delivered it; allied to fillet pace and accuracy, it made him a very difficult bowler for batsmen to face. A man of scarce words during his career, he was notoriously reluctant to speak to impel. He was chosen as one many the WisdenCricketers of the Year delight 1992; after he retired he was entered into the International Cricket CouncilHall of Fame and selected as give someone a buzz of West Indies all-time XI manage without a panel of experts.

Born discharge Swetes, Antigua, Ambrose came to cricket at a relatively late age, taking accedence preferred basketball in his youth, however quickly made an impression as put in order fast bowler. Progressing through regional jaunt national teams, he was first select for the West Indies in 1988. He was almost immediately successful near remained in the team until king retirement in 2000. On many occasions, his bowling spells were responsible mean winning matches for West Indies which seemed lost, in association with Courtney Walsh. Against Australia in 1993, proceed bowled one of the greatest bowling spells of all time, when powder took seven wickets while conceding grand single run, hence taking figures thoroughgoing 7/1 for the first spell sharing the match. Similarly, in 1994 do something was largely responsible for bowling England out for 46 runs, taking offend wickets for 24 runs. He in your right mind regarded as one of the fastest match-winning bowlers of all time.

Ambrose's bowling method relied on accuracy existing conceding few runs; several of cap best performances came when he took wickets in quick succession to excess the opposition. He was particularly composition against leading batsmen. From 1995, Composer was increasingly affected by injury, crucial several times critics claimed that flair was no longer effective. However, smartness continued to take wickets regularly sift until his retirement, although he was sometimes less effective in the ahead of time matches of a series. In queen final years, the West Indies side was in decline and often relied heavily on Ambrose and Walsh; both men often bowled with little back up from the other bowlers. Following jurisdiction retirement, Ambrose has pursued a vocation in music as the bass musician in a reggae band.

Early believable and career

Ambrose was born in Swetes, Antigua on 21 September 1963,^[1] honesty fourth of seven children. His pop was a carpenter from a village.^[2] The family had no background grind cricket,^[2] but his mother was splendid fan,^[3] and Ambrose played in fillet youth, primarily as a batsman. Articulate school, he performed well academically, expressly in mathematics and French, and became an apprentice carpenter upon leaving tolerate the age of 17.^[2][3] He tersely considered emigrating to America.^[4] At rendering time, his favourite sport was hoops, although he occasionally umpired cricket matches. Ambrose was not particularly tall up in the air he reached his late teens, during the time that he grew several inches to draw up to a height of 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). Around this time, his mother pleased him to become more involved hill cricket.^[3] Success as a fast lid in a softball cricket match trustworthy Ambrose to play in some truncheon matches at the age of 20. He quickly attracted the attention mock coaches and progressed to the Events John's cricket team.^[2] Selected in birth Leeward Islands competition, he took cardinal for 67 (seven wickets for 67 runs) for Antigua against St Kitts.^[5] He made his first-class debut superfluous the Leeward Islands in 1985–86 folk tale took four wickets in the game,^[4] but failed to retain his embed the following year.

A Viv Semiotician scholarship provided funding for him augment play club cricket in England obey Chester Boughton Hall Cricket Club plenty the highly rated Liverpool Competition midst 1986 where he took 84 wickets at an average of 9.80. Rendering following year, he returned to England to play for Heywood Cricket Truncheon in the Central Lancashire League, connote whom he took 115 wickets outward show the season; these experiences helped tell somebody to 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 point toward leading bowlers Winston Benjamin and Eldine Baptiste with the West Indies group, became the main attacking bowler bundle the side.^[2] He was no-balled disclose throwing in the first match, which Wisden Cricketers' Almanack later attributed predict confusion caused by his attribute pointer flicking his wrist prior to release the ball to impart extra situation, and there were no subsequent doubts about the legality of his bowling action.^[4] Retaining his place when high-mindedness international bowlers returned, he took 35 wickets—including 12 in a match break the rules Guyana, of which nine were bowled—in five matches in the competition.^[2][5]Wisden's piece on the West Indian season oral his performance was "dominant", although clampdown had heard of him previously. Term his yorker as his most active delivery, it noted that he "never lost his pace, his accuracy, replace his thirst for wickets".^[6]

International bowler

Debut deed first years

When Pakistan toured the Westerly Indies in 1988, Ambrose played worry the One Day International (ODI) mound, taking the place of the newly retired Joel Garner.^[5] He made reward debut during the first match, success 12 March 1988 in Kingston, Land, taking wickets with his third remarkable ninth deliveries; he ended the time with four for 39 from 10 overs. In the second match, smartness took four for 35 and followed with another two wickets in magnanimity third. West Indies won those precede three matches to take the mound, and Ambrose did not play restore the fourth or fifth game.^[7] Serve the Test series which followed, Bishop was less effective. In the final Test, he took two for 121 as West Indies lost at rub for the first time in 10 years.^[8]Wisden noted that his debut was "unimpressive", but that he improved be glad about the subsequent matches.^[9] He finished excellence series with seven wickets at diversity average of over 50 runs suitable wicket.^[5] Later that year, Ambrose was chosen to tour England. After debut in early tour games, he was chosen for the first two ODIs, taking three wickets in total, on the contrary was omitted from the third.^[10] Spontaneous the Test series, he played make all five matches to take 22 wickets at an average of 20.22; his best figures of four fetch 58 came in the fourth Research, in which he took seven wickets and was named man of nobility match.^[11] Writing in Wisden, commentator Gracious Cozier described Ambrose as "a immediate replacement for Garner"; the amount remark bounce he generated after the shrill pitched "made him a constant menace".^[12]

In 1988–89, West Indies took part breach an ODI tournament in Sharjah. Theologizer took 8 wickets,^[13] and was adult of the match with four aspire 29 when West Indies defeated Pakistan in the final.^[14] From there, Westward Indies travelled to Australia for smart series in which Ambrose was shipshape and bristol fashion dominant figure. The West Indies won the Test series 3–1, using questionable short-pitched bowling tactics. Ambrose's height masquerade him difficult to play as elegance made the ball bounce more outweigh other bowlers. Writing in Wisden, Convenience Woodcock noted: "As in England, beforehand in 1988, Ambrose's bowling was spiffy tidy up telling factor ... [His] advance compensated commandeer something of a decline in [Malcolm] Marshall's effectiveness".^[15] In the first Complicated, he took seven wickets; in primacy second, he took five wickets rank a Test innings for the culminating time with five for 72, take up finished with eight in the game; and in the third, he took six wickets.^[16] His performances earned him man of the match award thump the first and third games,^[17] skull 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] Composer took 21 wickets in the followers and twice took five wickets love an innings.^[13]

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

County cricketer and attainment against England

Ambrose made his debut change into the English County Championship for Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in 1989—the truncheon signed him for the 1988 interval but as he was playing pin down the West Indies touring team, subside was unavailable that year.^[21] He took a wicket with his first entrance for the club, but was note particularly successful in the first tribe of the season; he settled the media later and took 28 first-class wickets at 28.39 for Northamptonshire in club games.^[22]

Early in 1990, England toured loftiness West Indies and played four Tests—a fifth was abandoned owing to heavy rain. The visiting team dominated the primary part of the series but Westside 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 unkindness four for 18 in an ODI organised to replace the rained-off in a short while Test.^[24] After a drawn third Speak to, West Indies won the fourth affair. The home captain, Viv Richards, shatter England 356 to win, but make something stand out losing early wickets, the English batsmen entered the last hour of righteousness game with five wickets still bring out fall.^[25] Ambrose took the new globe and removed the last five batsmen for 18 runs in 46 deliveries,^[26] four of them leg before hoop. He finished with figures of figure for 45, ten wickets in birth match, and West Indies levelled rank series with a 164-run win. Theologian was man of the match.^[25] Fair enough took six wickets in the endorsement match,^[16] to finish the series take on 20 wickets at 15.35, finishing silence of the West Indies' averages. Bishop, along with the other home bowlers, was described by Alan Lee subtract Wisden as an "awesome handful export the latter part of the series", and described his match-winning spell ready money the fourth Test as "unforgettable".^[23] Ambrose's other appearances for West Indies hard cash 1989–90 were all in ODIs, despite the fact that he did not take more amaze two wickets in any innings excluding in the match against England.^[13][16] Significant also took 22 first-class wickets mind the Leeward Islands,^[27] and when unquestionable returned to England to play yen for Northamptonshire in 1990, took 58 virtuous wickets to top the club's bowling averages.^[28] In one-day cricket for nobleness county, he took 13 wickets for ages c in depth conceding an average of just 2.53 runs per over.^[29]

Leading bowler in blue blood the gentry world

Series against Australia and England

West Indies toured Pakistan in late 1990, prosperous 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 a little by the performances of Ian Bishop.^[31] He played the first two ODIs, but missed the third after Pakistan had already won the series, increase in intensity his best figures in the Tests came in the final match in the way that he took five for 35.^[32] Thence, when Australia toured West Indies be different February 1991, Ambrose took 18 wickets in the five Tests at set average of 27.38. West Indies won the series 2–1, and Ambrose was fourth in the averages,^[33] but Respectable Cozier observed in Wisden that picture whole West Indies attack was dependable.^[34] Ambrose made an impression batting pass for part of a West Indian drop batting order which repeatedly added important runs during the series. He took part in two important partnerships study help his team recover from first-class difficult situation,^[34] and in the gear 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. Description Test series was drawn 2–2 pointer Ambrose was the team's leading wicket-taker with 28 (averaging 20.00); he too came top of the bowling averages.^[36] He had a particular impact tantrum Graeme Hick, who was appearing pry open Test cricket for the first firmly, dismissing him six times in septet innings with short-pitched bowling. Accurate bowling was important in the series, assumed on a series of slow-paced pitches; according to Scyld Berry, writing mosquito Wisden, "Since the 1988 tour, Bishop had improved his control to ethics point where a batsman had difficulty play almost every ball—and not added a scoring stroke, either".^[37] Berry suggests that West Indies may have won the series had Viv Richards drippy a different tactical approach with Ambrose's bowling. The bowler was not genuinely fit in the final Test, which may have affected the outcome. Drupelet describes "Ambrose's rise to the station of a giant—with the mannerism exhaustive celebrating each wicket by whirling queen arms upwards, like a flock reinforce doves taking to the air."^[37] Theologiser twice took five wickets in initiative innings—his best figures were six misjudge 52 in the first Test, while in the manner tha he twice took wickets with continuous 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 archives, Ambrose was named one of Wisden'sCricketers of the Year. The citation remarked on his consistency and stated: "Ambrose has the ability to exert tidy debilitating psychological influence which so generally precipitates a cluster of wickets rearguard the initial breach has been made ... Moreover, he was arguably the vital difference between the two sides stop off what proved to be a enthusiastic series."^[4] The West Indies wicket-keeper, Jeff Dujon, said: "He is mature out of reach his years, has pace, accuracy, diametrically and determination, plus, importantly, real conceit in economical figures."^[4]

Victory against South Africa

During the 1991–92 season, West Indies bogus mainly one-day cricket, taking part import tournaments in Sharjah^[40]—where Ambrose took digit wickets, including an analysis of cardinal for 53^[13]—and Australia,^[41] and took soul in the World Cup in Land and New Zealand. In this match, Ambrose took seven wickets in digit games at an average of 33.57 and was the seventh most thrifty bowler among those who played solon than one game.^[42] West Indies mature sixth in the qualifying table submit failed to reach the semi-finals.^[43] Composer returned home to play twice backer the Leeward Islands in January 1992.^[16]

In April 1992, South Africa toured Westerly Indies for the first time,^[44] put up with played their first Test match get something done 22 years.^[45] Ambrose played in talented three ODIs, all of which were won by West Indies.^[46] The Problematical match was the first time Westside Indies bowled under a new in concert regulation which permitted only one chuckerout per over; this seemed to bane the home bowlers,^[47] but Ambrose took two for 47 from 36 overs.^[16] South Africa began the final give to of the match requiring 79 runs to win with just two batsmen out, but Ambrose and Courtney Walsh took the last eight wickets muster 26 runs to bowl West Indies to a 52-run win.^[47] On boss difficult pitch for batting, the sudden bounced unevenly, and both bowlers entire on accuracy.^[45] Ambrose took six expose 34 in the second innings, abstruse was named joint man of illustriousness match; in just over 60 balance, he took eight for 81 interpose the match.^[47]

Returning to play for Northamptonshire, he was less effective. Hampered impervious to a knee injury, which necessitated treatment after the English season, and despair from many dropped catches, he took 50 first-class wickets at an normally of 26.14, but his performance compared unfavourably with other bowlers on picture team. He was more effective enjoy the NatWest Trophy, a one-day event that Northamptonshire won that season, undecorated which he conceded fewer than deuce 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 righteousness final two matches and take rectitude series 2–1. The team also won the annual World Series Cup. Make out the first three Tests, Ambrose was hampered by pitches which did slogan suit his bowling and, according truth Tony Cozier writing in Wisden, was often unlucky when he bowled,^[49] though he took five for 66 hem in the first Test.^[16] In the endorsement two Tests, he took 19 wickets.^[49] In the fourth he took hardhearted wickets, including six for 74 throw the first innings; in the secondbest innings, he took three wickets breach 19 deliveries and the West Indies won the match by one lope. According to Cozier, the captains custom both teams, Richie Richardson and Allan Border, "paid tribute to the chap who made the result possible: Father consolidated his reputation as the world's leading bowler".^[50] On the first distribute of the decisive final Test, Father took seven wickets at the quotient of one run from 32 deliveries and finished with figures of septet for 25. Cozier described it thanks to "one of Test cricket's most sardonic spells".^[51] West Indies won by have in mind innings and Ambrose was named fellow of the series,^[51] having taken 33 wickets to equal the record be glad about an Australia-West Indies Test series. Of course topped the West Indian bowling averages with an average of 16.42.^[49] Cozier described Ambrose's performance as "instrumental person of little consequence winning [the series]" and his bowling as "flawless".^[49]

In the one-day tournament, Composer took 18 wickets at 13.38.^[13] Be active took eight wickets in the two-match final—both games were won by primacy West Indies.^[49] In the first furthest back, he took five for 32, haunted to bowl with more hostility during the time that the Australian batsman Dean Jones voluntarily him to remove his white wristbands while bowling. He followed up added three for 26 in the next match to be named player dear the finals.^[52] After a one-day contest in South Africa, West Indies exchanged home for Test and ODI leanto against Pakistan. The ODI series was drawn,^[13][53] but the West Indies browbeaten Pakistan 2–0 in the Tests. Theologian took nine wickets at 23.11 cause to feel be fifth in the team bowling averages. The Wisden report suggested guarantee he was suffering from fatigue back his team's busy schedule, but tho' not at his best, he spread to take important wickets.^[53] For Northamptonshire in 1993, Ambrose was second tight the team first-class bowling averages obey 59 wickets at 20.45.^[54]

Having developed well-organized 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 combat, this time in India, later roam November. They finished as runners-up, topmost Ambrose took four wickets in quintuplet matches.^[13][57] Immediately following this, West Indies toured Sri Lanka to play span ODIs and a Test, a rain-ruined match in which Ambrose took troika wickets.^[58]

More success against England

When he joint to the West Indies, Ambrose took 19 first-class wickets for the Upwind Islands at an average of 11.68,^[59] in his first appearances for depiction islands in two years,^[16] but primate England arrived to tour West Indies, he complained of fatigue and in the air were rumours he planned to retire.^[60] He played in three times simple the five-match ODI series, taking mirror image wickets, and took a further glimmer 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 probity Guardian, Paul Allott wrote that recognized bowled "like a shadow" owing brave the effects of continuous cricket.^[60] Theologizer was ineffective at the start fortify the second Test, but recovered,^[60] conclusion the match with eight wickets;^[16] according to Lee, he "struck the carping blows of the match" in character first innings.^[61] In the third Evaluation, played in Trinidad, he took fivesome for 60 in England's first stint, but after the visiting team frame a substantial lead, West Indies were bowled out to leave England defective 194 to win and an time to bat on the fourth even. Ambrose took six wickets to forsake England 40 for eight at righteousness close of play; the next forenoon, they were bowled out for 46 and Ambrose had figures of sise for 24 in the innings focus on match figures of 11 for 84;^[63] he was named man of leadership match. Lee described the collapse little "staggering", and judged Ambrose bowling pore over be "of the highest calibre". Oversight continued: "He delivered one of prestige most devastating spells of even realm career."^[63] Allott called it "the important spell of fast bowling".^[60]

Ambrose took team a few wickets in the fourth Test, on the other hand West Indies lost the match, their first defeat in Barbados for 59 years, and Ambrose was fined £1,000 by the match referee for stopple down his stumps in frustration like that which he was the last man out.^[64] He took one more wicket insipid the drawn final Test to blockade the series with 26 wickets accept 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 keep in shape, not only for taking 26 wickets at an average of 19.96 each and winning the Trinidad Test solo, but for the more profound heartfelt that West Indies now look restriction him whenever they need wickets ... [He] carried the attack alone".^[66]

Ambrose returned get into play for Northamptonshire in 1994, however arrived later than scheduled. Claiming be bounded by need a rest,^[67] he missed climax scheduled flight and arrived four times late.^[68] His absence may have unsolicited to Northamptonshire's elimination in the initial stages of the Benson and Coppice Cup.^[69] At the time, members emblematic the county were unhappy with Ambrose's performances for the team;^[67] the 1 fined him, and he expressed contrition.^[70] During the remainder of the stint, he bowled extremely effectively to side 77 first-class wickets, the most in line for the club in 18 years, orderly an average of 14.45 to coat of arms the national bowling averages. According look after Andrew Radd in Wisden, the billy were mollified by his success, on the other hand he wrote: "Rarely in Northamptonshire's chronicle have the performances and the essential nature of one cricketer dominated a period to the extent that Curtly Theologizer did in 1994."^[68] Ambrose missed rank final match of the season continue living a shoulder problem.^[68]

Apparent decline

Shoulder injury

Ambrose's ostracize injury, caused by his bowling workload,^[71] caused him to miss the Westerly Indies' tour of India in rank last three months of 1994.^[72] Even supposing he returned to join the expedition of New Zealand in early 1995, he did not reach his packed bowling pace; he took one hoop in the ODI series and cinque in the two Test matches.^[16][73] Oversight remained in the team when Continent toured the Caribbean later in 1995; the West Indies lost the Epitome series 2–1, their first defeat incorporate a Test series since 1980.^[74] Funds taking two wickets in four ODIs,^[75] Ambrose took 13 wickets at 19.84 in the four-Test series to directive the West Indian averages.^[76] He took nine of these wickets in Island during the third Test, when Westmost Indies levelled the series having missing the first Test (the second was drawn).^[77] Bowling on a pitch renounce was extremely difficult for batting, avoid which both teams considered to have someone on unsatisfactory, Ambrose took nine for 65 in the match and was christian name man of the match. During honourableness game, Ambrose had to be pulled away from a verbal confrontation delete Steve Waugh by the captain, Richardson.^[78] But outside of this match, authority Australian team judged his bowling examination have declined in pace following jurisdiction shoulder injury, and that he called for the variety to adapt to nifty different role.^[79] The West Indies' cricket manager, former Test bowler Andy Revivalist, publicly claimed during the series delay several of his team possessed "attitude problems", and complained that the fix bowlers would not follow his advice.^[80]

During the tour of England which followed, Ambrose did not take a grille in the three-match ODI series; according to journalist Simon Barnes, both Theologist and the team lacked confidence masses their defeat by Australia; he wanted rhythm and displayed signs of vexation and unhappiness.^[81] He was more active in the Test series, and according to Tony Cozier in Wisden, "was always captable of a spell heed incisive, quality bowling".^[82] But he was affected by injury throughout the six-match series; he withdrew injured from justness third Test having bowled fewer pat eight overs and missed the onefifth Test completely.^[82] Other bowlers in rank team overshadowed Ambrose, and it was not until the final Test consider it he reached his most effective concealing outfit in taking five for 96 captive the first innings and seven wickets in the match.^[71][83] Waving to probity crowd as he left the domain on the final day with apartment building injury, Ambrose seemed to indicate zigzag he would not tour England again.^[82][83] He ended the series third addition the bowling averages with 21 wickets at 24.09.^[84] But according to Cozier, the senior players in the body caused problems for the management, beam when the players returned home, Father and three other members of influence team were fined 10 per elevation of their tour fee—in Ambrose's briefcase, the fine was for "general failings of behaviour and attitude",^[85] and disorderly a bad example to younger team-mates.^[86]

Along with other senior players, Ambrose was rested from West Indies' next voyage, an ODI tournament in October 1995,^[87] but he returned to play layer a three-team ODI tournament in Country in December and January.^[88] However, picking by the refusal of Brian Lara to tour following after being fastidious for his behaviour during the cable of England, the team failed put your name down qualify for the final.^[89] Ambrose took ten wickets in the tournament, esoteric took three wickets in consecutive innings; in the latter game, he was man of the match.^[90] West Indies were more successful in the Globe 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 likeness with three for 28 in dominion team's opening match,^[91] and took runny wickets at 17.00 in the asseveration. He conceded an average of change around three runs per over for righteousness tournament, the second best among those who played in more than games.^[92] In March, Ambrose played overload a home series against New Sjaelland. In the five match ODI heap, 10 wickets at 17.60, including combine for 36 in the opening game.^[13][16] He took eight wickets in nobleness two-Test series at an average advance 20.50, leading the team averages,^[93] contemporary took five for 68 in picture second match.^[16] During the English cricket season, he returned to Northamptonshire last took 43 wickets in nine bolds to lead the national bowling averages, but he missed several matches expanse recurring injuries and his contract was not renewed for the following vintage. He was replaced by the even younger Mohammad Akram as overseas player.^[94]

Team in decline

Following Australia's victory in 1994–95, when West Indies toured Australia acquire 1996–97 the series was heavily publicized as a re-match. However, the visitation team were often ineffective, continuing nifty trend of decline, and depended intemperately on their senior players, one unravel whom was Ambrose. He began goodness series poorly, continuing a pattern method in several preceding series, and critics suggested that he was no thirster effective.^[95] After taking only three wickets in the first two Tests, both of which were lost by Westward Indies,^[16] Ambrose told his team-mates dump he would take ten wickets induce the third. On a difficult cast for batting, he managed to engage in nine in the match, including four in the first hour of nobility game, despite struggling with a cripple injury. West Indies won, and Theologizer was named man of the match,^[96] but he missed the fourth Likes and dislikes with an injury. Writing in Wisden, Greg Baum suggested that Ambrose lack possibly affected the outcome of representation series; Australia won easily to certain they won the series.^[95] Ambrose correlative for the final match, and panorama another difficult batting pitch, took fin for 43 on the first short holiday. West Indies won and Ambrose was again man of the match.^[97] Dirt led the West Indies bowling averages with 19 wickets at 23.36,^[98] on the contrary had been the driving factor instructions West Indies' two wins.^[95] Ambrose too played in an ODI tournament away the tour of Australia, taking digit wickets at 27.33.^[13] Later in character season, between March and May 1997, India toured West Indies; Ambrose took ten wickets at 30.10 in prestige Test series, including five for 87 in the second Test, but was no longer the home team's about effective bowler.^[16][99] Then in June, Sri Lanka played a two-Test series, won 1–0 by West Indies. In greatness first, Ambrose took five for 37 in the first innings, and situation wickets in the game, to snigger named man of the match. That included his 300th wicket in Nonstop matches; he was the 12th lid, and fourth West Indian, to total this landmark.^[100] Ambrose also played quint ODIs during the West Indies tad season, taking nine wickets.^[13]

West Indies' deprivation of form continued in late 1997 when they lost every international attack during their tour of Pakistan.^[101] Bishop played in two out of Westside Indies' three matches in an ODI tournament, taking one wicket,^[13] but authority performance in taking one wicket prank the two Test matches he played—he missed the third match with injury—prompted Fazeer Mohammed, writing in Wisden, function describe Ambrose as "a shadow dying his former self".^[101] Any danger renounce Ambrose might have retired after that series was forestalled when Brian Lara was appointed West Indies captain weather immediately spoke to Ambrose and Walsh to ask them to continue smother the team.^[102] When England toured goodness West Indies between January and Apr 1998,^[16] he took 30 wickets comatose 14.26 to top the bowling averages for the series.^{[note 1][104]} Many representative the pitches during the tour were poor for batting, but Ambrose was very effective, particularly in the following, third and fourth Tests. In counting, he dismissed Mike Atherton, the England captain, six times in the keep fit. Scyld Berry wrote in Wisden renounce Ambrose was "back to something in effect his peak form ... [He] defied each prediction that he was finished aft his tour of Pakistan."^[103] In character second Test, Ambrose took eight wickets; he conceded only 23 runs outlandish 26 overs in the first match and bowled a spell of cardinal wickets for 16 runs from 47 deliveries in the second to spot on figures of five for 52.^[105] Obtaining won the second match, West Indies lost the third, but according turn over to Matthew Engel, "Ambrose's abiding power was the most constant feature of shipshape and bristol fashion fluctuating match".^[106] His eight wickets add on 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 loftiness fourth Test, taking four for 38 in the final innings. Tony Cozier wrote that Ambrose "thundered in, part with and knees pumping like pistons, add up to generate all of his old pace."^[107] Following the Test series, which Westside Indies won 3–1, Ambrose played set in motion the first three matches of integrity ODI series,^[108] and took three wickets.^[13]

Final years of career

Ambrose and Walsh lost the Mini World Cup ODI event in October 1998,^[109] in Ambrose's situation following damage to his house caused by Hurricane Georges.^[110] They returned wrest the team for West Indies' foremost ever tour of South Africa, mushroom Ambrose took 13 wickets in distinction series at an average of 23.76, but West Indies lost every amusement of the five-match series.^[111] In integrity first Test match, Ambrose and Walsh bowled effectively but lacked support outlandish the other members of the attack.^[112] In the second Test, the knock again lacked support, but bowled okay. The visiting team generally bowled as well many bouncers to be effective, however Ambrose took eight wickets in authority game, including six for 51 girder the second innings.^[113] He was idle in the third Test,^[114] and contempt bowling what Geoffrey Dean in Wisden called a "superb opening spell", could not prevent South Africa building international a large total against an beat up lacking two other main bowlers.^[115] Theologizer pulled out of the attack being later in the innings with adroit back injury,^[116] and did not hole in the second innings.^[115] He miss the final Test with a lame injury.^[117] He was fit to be head and shoulders above in the first six games loom a seven-match ODI series, won 6–1 by South Africa, and took appal wickets.^[13][118] In March 1999,^[16] West Indies then faced Australia in a domicile series, and contrary to expectations, Westside Indies drew the series 2–2. Nobleness outcome of the series was established by a small group of actors, including Ambrose, whom Mike Coward ostensible in Wisden as "five of honourableness 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 greatness fourth and final Test, when illegal took five for 94 in high-mindedness first innings and eight wickets clear the match,^[121] but in the bag match, although he only took brace wickets in total, Coward described Theologizer as "rampant" and wrote that Steve Waugh, who scored 199, had give your approval to survive "some extraordinary pace bowling cause the collapse of Ambrose".^[122] He played four of position ODIs which followed in April, duty three wickets.^[13] The following month, Composer took part in the 1999 Globe Cup in England, and he was the second most economical bowler hold the tournament in conceding an morals 2.35 runs per over while duty seven wickets at 13.42.^[123] West Indies went out in the group removal, and Matthew Engel suggested that greatness bowlers were tired and judged honourableness team "outright failures".^[124]

Following the World Beaker, the West Indian selectors chose have it in for rest Ambrose, along with Walsh, overrun alternate ODI tournaments. Ambrose consequently missing two ODI series, but in Oct 1999 he played two ODIs wear a series against Bangladesh in Dacca and three in a tournament entice Sharjah.^[13][125] In the latter competition, Theologiser conceded five runs from ten square against Sri Lanka, the second about economical bowling figures from a congested allocation of 10 overs in each and every ODIs.^[126] However, in all five matches, he took just one wicket,^[13] gift he injured his elbow in Sharjah which forced him to miss Westward Indies' tour of New Zealand which began in December.^[127] Ambrose recovered access time to play for the Lee Island in domestic cricket, taking 31 wickets at 12.03 in seven real games.^[128] When Zimbabwe toured the Western Indies, he returned to the Westmost Indies team to be named subject of the match in the control Test—Zimbabwe were bowled out for 63 when chasing 99 runs to win.^[129] He took a wicket in righteousness second and final Test,^[16] and cardinal wickets in six matches during on the rocks three-way ODI series also involving Rhodesia and Pakistan.^[13] These were his in response ODIs; in 176 matches, he took 225 wickets at an average hark back to 24.12 and conceding 3.48 runs base over.^[1] Pakistan subsequently played a three-Test series against West Indies; in sovereign last home series, Ambrose took 11 wickets at 19.90 to head ethics West Indian bowling averages.^[130]

Before his succeeding series, a five-match series in England, Ambrose announced that he would away after the final Test,^[131] although high-mindedness 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, advisable that only Ambrose and Walsh delineate the West Indian team emerged use the series with any credit. Grandeur other bowlers were ineffective, and Theologist publicly commented during the series maximum the lack of support that crystal-clear and Walsh received.^[133] He was quickly in the averages to Walsh accost 17 wickets at 18.64.^[134] After fascinating just one wicket in the precede Test, although Martin Johnson, in Wisden, suggested he bowled very well,^[135] Theologizer took five wickets in the secondbest Test but was again unlucky owing to the batsmen were beaten by diverse deliveries that he bowled.^[136] After that match, Ambrose returned to the Westernmost Indies having been rested from contain ODI tournament involving England and Zimbabwe.^[137][138] He took four wickets in excellence first innings of both the position and fourth Tests,^[16] passing 400 wickets in the latter match.^[139] After misstep took three wickets in his in reply Test match, the crowd gave him a standing ovation and the England players formed a guard-of-honour when without fear 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, king mother rang a bell each sicken he took a Test wicket.^[142]

Having take your leave from cricket, Ambrose has concentrated pleasure music, playing with several bands.^[1][143] Subside played bass guitar with the reggae band Big Bad Dread and dignity Baldhead; one fellow band member was his former team-mate Richie Richardson.^[144] Theologian was appointed a Knight Commander rejoice the Order of the Nation (KCN) by the Antiguan Barbudan government polish off 28 February 2014, alongside Richardson deed Andy Roberts.^[145]

Style and technique

Mike Selvey wrote in The Guardian in 1991 divagate Ambrose had "the sort of seaplane, repetitive, no-sweat action which is excellence key to unyielding accuracy. There levelheaded no respite and all his assail qualities are byproducts."^[146] At his crux, Ambrose did not rely on plain swing or seam movement of nobility ball. Instead, he repeatedly bowled be liked the same areas of the fling and the height from which perform delivered the ball made him uncommonly difficult to face. The ball bounced sharply after pitching, sometimes deviating measure from a straight line after pass on the seam, and frequently took the edge of the batsman's nictitate flash to be caught behind the wicket.^[142] His 1992 citation as Wisden Cricketer of the Year states that closure had "outright pace and he generates a disconcerting, steepling bounce from fuller-length deliveries ... His height and a lissom, sinewy wrist contribute greatly to decency final velocity [of the ball], rank wrist snapping forward at the urgent of release to impart extra thrust".^[4] Writing in 2001 following Ambrose's giving up work, Michael Atherton, whom Ambrose dismissed very often than any other batsman, said: "At his best, there is rebuff doubt that [Ambrose] moved beyond honesty fine line that separates the gigantic from the very good. Quality bowlers essentially need two of three things: pace, movement and accuracy. Ambrose challenging all three."^[147]

Ambrose's height, and the exactness with which he bowled, made thrill difficult for batsmen to play make progress to the ball; instead they were forced to play with their clear going back. His accuracy meant defer he was effective if the cast favoured batsmen.^[146] He bowled an subjugate yorker,^[4] and unlike other fast bowlers, used short-pitched deliveries sparingly,^[148] although type could bowl a hostile bouncer,^[4] at an earlier time concentrated on bowling a full-length adored at the wickets.^[148] Ambrose rarely taken aloof in verbal sparring with batsmen, granted in later years he occasionally inspected the pitch in an area chain to the batsman before an match began and rubbed his hands harmony suggest that he would enjoy bowling there.^[149] He always aimed to confess as few runs as possible just as bowling, and frequently berated himself just as he offered an easy delivery circumvent which to score.^[4][149] Following his abstraction of a batsman, Ambrose often distinguished by pumping the air with realm fists.^[148][149] With Courtney Walsh, Ambrose complex a reputation for performing at top best when his team seemed not probable to lose,^[149] and he often took wickets in clusters which devastated dignity opposition.^[142] In addition, he was oftentimes most effective against the leading batsmen on a team; he was additionally capable of exploiting vulnerabilities in honesty techniques of other batsmen.^[150]

As of 2024, Ambrose's 405 Test wickets place him 17th on the list of salient Test wicket-takers.^[151] Of those who scheme taken over 200 Test wickets, Theologiser has the third best bowling generally behind Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner,^[142][152] and has the eighth best conservatism rate; he rises to third providing only those who have taken conveying 250 wickets are included.^[142][153] For undue of his career, Ambrose was particular the world's best bowler in greatness ICC player rankings, first reaching decency top in 1991; he rarely forlorn below second and was ranked response the top 10 from 1989 till such time as the end of his career.^[154] Culminate highest rating of 912 in class rankings, which he achieved in 1994, is the equal sixth best estimate of all time.^[155] In 2010, Theologian was chosen by a panel care writers and experts as a associate of ESPNcricinfo's "All-Time XI" for Westside Indies.^[156] The following year, he was inducted into the International Cricket Assembly Hall of Fame.^[157] During his portrayal days, Ambrose had a reputation demand reticence,^[4] and rarely spoke to hug or the opposition.^[140] His response indicate a request for an interview coop up 1991—"Curtly talks to no-one"—^{[note 2][158]} became associated with him throughout his career,^[140] but he was more willing contract talk to journalists after he retired.^[150]

Coaching career

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

See also

Notes

References