The Gigantic Giant of the Game, Sir Curtly Ambrose

The Gigantic Giant of the Game, Sir Curtly Ambrose: Curtly Ambrose, the name speaks of itself! Indeed, Ambrose had been a fiery and lethal bowler for West Indies and was the spearhead of the pace attack of the Caribbean team. With a phenomenal figure of 405 test Wickets at an average of 20.99, Ambrose is still regarded as one of the most dangerous fast bowlers the Cricket world has ever seen.

With a physique of 6 feet and 7 inches frame, coupled with his incredibly fast deliveries, Ambrose was one of the toughest bowlers to play. The Antiguan fast bowler possessed the reputation of bowling game changing spells. Two of which need mention in this context. The first was his fiery spell against England in 1994 when he took 6 for 24 and England were bundled at the score of 46 runs. The second was against Australia at the WACA, Perth where he took 7 for 1 to take West Indies in cruise control of the series.

Speaking on an interview, the fiery fast bowler stated that it was his mother who led him to be a cricketer. His mother always wanted someone in their family to be a cricketer and that is what drew him to cricket and to fast bowling. The Antiguan also discussed about the essentials facets required to be a dominating fast bowler. According to Ambrose, it is the love for fast bowling that was the crucial thing. If one loves bowling, he would carry on with hard work for sure and there won’t be much pain involved. Ambrose also mentioned a point that the primary aspect of any fast bowler should be to bowl on to the exact line and length. A bowler who had pace and possesses the ability to swing the ball both ways won’t be much effective until and unless he maintains a decent line and length.

The master of 225 ODI wickets also spoke about the fact that he never had the intention to put fear over the batsmen. He said that the instinct which came in the bowling partnership between him and Courtney Walsh was enough. He also stated that such a bowling partnership meant a lot for the team and often played the pivotal impact in the match. Ambrose mentioned that it was his physique and pace that put the batsmen onto the back foot. He stated that sometimes a mere stare would be enough to un-settle the batsmen. Batsmen had to earn the runs against him and some were successful in it.

When asked about the deterioration of quality pacers in West Indies, Ambrose had a perfect answer. He said that it is the nature of the pitches in the Caribbean which are not at all conductive towards fast bowling. He even added that the pitches nowadays offer simply nothing for the bowlers. He also said that there are a number of pacers who are talented enough to become pros in fast bowling but due to lack of help from the tracks, they lose their motivation and set up a defensive mind set of somehow restricting runs.

Ambrose, who is presently the bowling consultant of West Indies cricket team feels that it was far more easy playing than to coach a team. As a player, one can produce the best of him and can win the match for his team. But as a coach, the responsibilities lie on talking with the players, leading them to proper paths, giving them expert advices and also to prepare plans. But once players cross the ropes into the field, a coach has nothing to do except to hope for the plans coming right.