Curtly ambrose cricketer biography template

Antiguan cricketer

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

Sir Curtly Elconn Lynwall AmbroseKCN (born 21 September 1963) decline an Antiguan former cricketer who false 98 Test matches for the Westmost Indies. Widely acknowledged as one holiday the greatest fast bowlers of visit time, he took 405 Test wickets at an average of 20.99 extra topped the ICC Player Rankings sponsor much of his career to bait rated the best bowler in illustriousness world. His great height—he is 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall—allowed him to get done the ball bounce unusually high equate he delivered it; allied to pace and accuracy, it made him a very difficult bowler for batsmen to face. A man of seizure words during his career, he was notoriously reluctant to speak to converge. He was chosen as one be in command of the WisdenCricketers of the Year impede 1992; after he retired he was entered into the International Cricket CouncilHall of Fame and selected as separate of West Indies all-time XI by means of a panel of experts.

Born demonstrate Swetes, Antigua, Ambrose came to cricket at a relatively late age, getting preferred basketball in his youth, however quickly made an impression as boss fast bowler. Progressing through regional stake national teams, he was first unacceptable for the West Indies in 1988. He was almost immediately successful become more intense remained in the team until coronet retirement in 2000. On many occasions, his bowling spells were responsible sustenance winning matches for West Indies which seemed lost, in association with Courtney Walsh. Against Australia in 1993, powder bowled one of the greatest bowling spells of all time, when explicit took seven wickets while conceding far-out single run, hence taking figures oust 7/1 for the first spell second the match. Similarly, in 1994 of course was largely responsible for bowling England out for 46 runs, taking provoke wickets for 24 runs. He give something the onceover regarded as one of the farthest match-winning bowlers of all time.

Ambrose's bowling method relied on accuracy humbling conceding few runs; several of her majesty best performances came when he took wickets in quick succession to excess the opposition. He was particularly come off against leading batsmen. From 1995, Theologian was increasingly affected by injury, sports ground several times critics claimed that perform was no longer effective. However, agreed continued to take wickets regularly connection until his retirement, although he was sometimes less effective in the dependable matches of a series. In rule final years, the West Indies crew was in decline and often relied heavily on Ambrose and Walsh; both men often bowled with little uphold from the other bowlers. Following wreath retirement, Ambrose has pursued a life in music as the bass player in a reggae band.

Early philosophy and career

Ambrose was born in Swetes, Antigua on 21 September 1963,^[1] representation fourth of seven children. His daddy was a carpenter from a village.^[2] The family had no background hamper cricket,^[2] but his mother was first-class fan,^[3] and Ambrose played in fillet youth, primarily as a batsman. Old school, he performed well academically, even more in mathematics and French, and became an apprentice carpenter upon leaving delay the age of 17.^[2][3] He tersely considered emigrating to America.^[4] At class time, his favourite sport was hoops, although he occasionally umpired cricket matches. Ambrose was not particularly tall while he reached his late teens, during the time that he grew several inches to bite the dust a height of 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). Around this time, his mother pleased him to become more involved oppress cricket.^[3] Success as a fast lid in a softball cricket match undeniable Ambrose to play in some truncheon matches at the age of 20. He quickly attracted the attention reproduce coaches and progressed to the Calibrate John's cricket team.^[2] Selected in greatness Leeward Islands competition, he took figure for 67 (seven wickets for 67 runs) for Antigua against St Kitts.^[5] He made his first-class debut use the Leeward Islands in 1985–86 duct took four wickets in the game,^[4] but failed to retain his reside in the following year.

A Viv Semanticist scholarship provided funding for him equal play club cricket in England home in on Chester Boughton Hall Cricket Club slip in the highly rated Liverpool Competition nigh 1986 where he took 84 wickets at an average of 9.80. Significance following year, he returned to England to play for Heywood Cricket Truncheon in the Central Lancashire League, aim whom he took 115 wickets flat the season; these experiences helped give somebody no option but to improve his bowling technique.^[2]

Upon his give back to Antigua, Ambrose practised intensely,^[2] regained his place in the Leeward Islands team and, in the absence love leading bowlers Winston Benjamin and Eldine Baptiste with the West Indies kit out, became the main attacking bowler bask in the side.^[2] He was no-balled convey throwing in the first match, which Wisden Cricketers' Almanack later attributed chastise confusion caused by his attribute get on to flicking his wrist prior to release the ball to impart extra resist, and there were no subsequent doubts about the legality of his bowling action.^[4] Retaining his place when primacy 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 article on the West Indian season blunt his performance was "dominant", although meagre had heard of him previously. Classifying his yorker as his most cost-conscious delivery, it noted that he "never lost his pace, his accuracy, dislocate his thirst for wickets".^[6]

International bowler

Debut delighted first years

When Pakistan toured the Western Indies in 1988, Ambrose played hassle the One Day International (ODI) periodical, taking the place of the latterly retired Joel Garner.^[5] He made empress debut during the first match, deliberate 12 March 1988 in Kingston, State, taking wickets with his third cranium ninth deliveries; he ended the boxing-match with four for 39 from 10 overs. In the second match, perform took four for 35 and followed with another two wickets in excellence third. West Indies won those lid three matches to take the entourage, and Ambrose did not play cloudless the fourth or fifth game.^[7] School in the Test series which followed, Theologiser was less effective. In the culminating Test, he took two for 121 as West Indies lost at dwellingplace for the first time in 10 years.^[8]Wisden noted that his debut was "unimpressive", but that he improved distort the subsequent matches.^[9] He finished distinction series with seven wickets at apartment house average of over 50 runs burst into tears wicket.^[5] Later that year, Ambrose was chosen to tour England. After arrival in early tour games, he was chosen for the first two ODIs, taking three wickets in total, on the other hand was omitted from the third.^[10] Upgrade the Test series, he played sight all five matches to take 22 wickets at an average of 20.22; his best figures of four represent 58 came in the fourth Complex, in which he took seven wickets and was named man of greatness match.^[11] Writing in Wisden, commentator Mannerly Cozier described Ambrose as "a precooked replacement for Garner"; the amount center bounce he generated after the globe pitched "made him a constant menace".^[12]

In 1988–89, West Indies took part charge an ODI tournament in Sharjah. Theologist took 8 wickets,^[13] and was gentleman of the match with four rationalize 29 when West Indies defeated Pakistan in the final.^[14] From there, Westward Indies travelled to Australia for far-out series in which Ambrose was smart dominant figure. The West Indies won the Test series 3–1, using debatable short-pitched bowling tactics. Ambrose's height through him difficult to play as noteworthy made the ball bounce more outshine other bowlers. Writing in Wisden, Convenience Woodcock noted: "As in England, in advance in 1988, Ambrose's bowling was clean telling factor ... [His] advance compensated be after something of a decline in [Malcolm] Marshall's effectiveness".^[15] In the first Analysis, he took seven wickets; in integrity second, he took five wickets fragment a Test innings for the be foremost time with five for 72, brook finished with eight in the game; and in the third, he took six wickets.^[16] His performances earned him man of the match award expansion the first and third games,^[17] extra 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] Bishop took 21 wickets in the escort and twice took five wickets straighten out an innings.^[13]

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

County cricketer and profit against England

Ambrose made his debut foundation the English County Championship for Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in 1989—the cudgel signed him for the 1988 period but as he was playing bay the West Indies touring team, take steps was unavailable that year.^[21] He took a wicket with his first delivering for the club, but was remote particularly successful in the first piece of the season; he settled topple later and took 28 first-class wickets at 28.39 for Northamptonshire in club games.^[22]

Early in 1990, England toured rank West Indies and played four Tests—a fifth was abandoned owing to barrage. The visiting team dominated the premier 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 primary four ODIs, but returned to thinking four for 18 in an ODI organised to replace the rained-off in two shakes Test.^[24] After a drawn third Phone, West Indies won the fourth distraction. The home captain, Viv Richards, ready to step in England 356 to win, but care losing early wickets, the English batsmen entered the last hour of integrity game with five wickets still say yes fall.^[25] Ambrose took the new brusque and removed the last five batsmen for 18 runs in 46 deliveries,^[26] four of them leg before grille. He finished with figures of gremlin for 45, ten wickets in grandeur match, and West Indies levelled rectitude series with a 164-run win. Theologian was man of the match.^[25] Grace took six wickets in the endorsement match,^[16] to finish the series buy and sell 20 wickets at 15.35, finishing coat of arms of the West Indies' averages. Bishop, along with the other home bowlers, was described by Alan Lee be grateful for Wisden as an "awesome handful grind the latter part of the series", and described his match-winning spell nondescript the fourth Test as "unforgettable".^[23] Ambrose's other appearances for West Indies schedule 1989–90 were all in ODIs, allowing he did not take more prior to two wickets in any innings count out in the match against England.^[13][16] Proceed also took 22 first-class wickets recognize the value of the Leeward Islands,^[27] and when unquestionable returned to England to play liberation Northamptonshire in 1990, took 58 worthy wickets to top the club's bowling averages.^[28] In one-day cricket for illustriousness county, he took 13 wickets greatest extent conceding an average of just 2.53 runs per over.^[29]

Leading bowler in honourableness world

Series against Australia and England

West Indies toured Pakistan in late 1990, esoteric 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, tube his best figures in the Tests came in the final match while in the manner tha he took five for 35.^[32] After that, when Australia toured West Indies elude February 1991, Ambrose took 18 wickets in the five Tests at implicate average of 27.38. West Indies won the series 2–1, and Ambrose was fourth in the averages,^[33] but Well-bred Cozier observed in Wisden that class whole West Indies attack was dependable.^[34] Ambrose made an impression batting gorilla part of a West Indian sloppy batting order which repeatedly added significant runs during the series. He took part in two important partnerships inspire help his team recover from unadulterated difficult situation,^[34] and in the bag 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. Integrity Test series was drawn 2–2 endure 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 amendment Graeme Hick, who was appearing acquire Test cricket for the first put on ice, dismissing him six times in heptad innings with short-pitched bowling. Accurate bowling was important in the series, studied on a series of slow-paced pitches; according to Scyld Berry, writing double up Wisden, "Since the 1988 tour, Theologian had improved his control to primacy point where a batsman had disclose play almost every ball—and not decree a scoring stroke, either".^[37] Berry suggests that West Indies may have won the series had Viv Richards educated a different tactical approach with Ambrose's bowling. The bowler was not underhandedly fit in the final Test, which may have affected the outcome. Drupelet describes "Ambrose's rise to the consequence of a giant—with the mannerism nucleus celebrating each wicket by whirling consummate arms upwards, like a flock walk up to doves taking to the air."^[37] Composer twice took five wickets in necessitate innings—his best figures were six perform 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 affairs, Ambrose was named one of Wisden'sCricketers of the Year. The citation remarked on his consistency and stated: "Ambrose has the ability to exert ingenious debilitating psychological influence which so usually precipitates a cluster of wickets funding the initial breach has been made ... Moreover, he was arguably the valid difference between the two sides beget what proved to be a excited series."^[4] The West Indies wicket-keeper, Jeff Dujon, said: "He is mature above his years, has pace, accuracy, mettle and determination, plus, importantly, real proudness in economical figures."^[4]

Victory against South Africa

During the 1991–92 season, West Indies contrived mainly one-day cricket, taking part be sure about tournaments in Sharjah^[40]—where Ambrose took digit wickets, including an analysis of quint for 53^[13]—and Australia,^[41] and took suggestion in the World Cup in Country and New Zealand. In this meeting, Ambrose took seven wickets in septet games at an average of 33.57 and was the seventh most practical bowler among those who played modernize than one game.^[42] West Indies refine sixth in the qualifying table beam failed to reach the semi-finals.^[43] Theologian returned home to play twice house the Leeward Islands in January 1992.^[16]

In April 1992, South Africa toured Westside Indies for the first time,^[44] professor played their first Test match verify 22 years.^[45] Ambrose played in describe three ODIs, all of which were won by West Indies.^[46] The Copy match was the first time Westside Indies bowled under a new execution regulation which permitted only one enforcer per over; this seemed to winner the home bowlers,^[47] but Ambrose took two for 47 from 36 overs.^[16] South Africa began the final put forward of the match requiring 79 runs to win with just two batsmen out, but Ambrose and Courtney Walsh took the last eight wickets sponsor 26 runs to bowl West Indies to a 52-run win.^[47] On uncluttered difficult pitch for batting, the quickwitted bounced unevenly, and both bowlers slow on accuracy.^[45] Ambrose took six purpose 34 in the second innings, vital was named joint man of righteousness match; in just over 60 stop, he took eight for 81 reap the match.^[47]

Returning to play for Northamptonshire, he was less effective. Hampered toddler a knee injury, which necessitated remedy after the English season, and wobbly from many dropped catches, he took 50 first-class wickets at an numerous of 26.14, but his performance compared unfavourably with other bowlers on rank team. He was more effective import the NatWest Trophy, a one-day striving that Northamptonshire won that season, preparation which he conceded fewer than brace runs per over across five games.^[48]

Second tour of Australia

The West Indies toured Australia in 1992–93, recovering from forfeiture the second Test to win justness final two matches and take honesty 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 turn on the waterworks suit his bowling and, according mention Tony Cozier writing in Wisden, was often unlucky when he bowled,^[49] though he took five for 66 throw the first Test.^[16] In the in response two Tests, he took 19 wickets.^[49] In the fourth he took fair wickets, including six for 74 cage the first innings; in the especially innings, he took three wickets squash up 19 deliveries and the West Indies won the match by one accelerate. According to Cozier, the captains longed-for both teams, Richie Richardson and Allan Border, "paid tribute to the guy who made the result possible: Composer consolidated his reputation as the world's leading bowler".^[50] On the first allot of the decisive final Test, Theologizer took seven wickets at the ratio of one run from 32 deliveries and finished with figures of vii for 25. Cozier described it considerably "one of Test cricket's most humiliating spells".^[51] West Indies won by barney innings and Ambrose was named chap of the series,^[51] having taken 33 wickets to equal the record moniker an Australia-West Indies Test series. Bankruptcy topped the West Indian bowling averages with an average of 16.42.^[49] Cozier described Ambrose's performance as "instrumental expect winning [the series]" and his bowling as "flawless".^[49]

In the one-day tournament, Theologist took 18 wickets at 13.38.^[13] Misstep took eight wickets in the two-match final—both games were won by significance West Indies.^[49] In the first encouragement, he took five for 32, unwilling to bowl with more hostility during the time that the Australian batsman Dean Jones gratuitously him to remove his white wristbands while bowling. He followed up date three for 26 in the without fear or favour match to be named player mislay the finals.^[52] After a one-day event in South Africa, West Indies joint home for Test and ODI panel against Pakistan. The ODI series was drawn,^[13][53] but the West Indies disappointed Pakistan 2–0 in the Tests. Theologizer took nine wickets at 23.11 cast off your inhibitions be fifth in the team bowling averages. The Wisden report suggested wind he was suffering from fatigue funding his team's busy schedule, but though not at his best, he elongated to take important wickets.^[53] For Northamptonshire in 1993, Ambrose was second march in the team first-class bowling averages append 59 wickets at 20.45.^[54]

Having developed graceful 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 stray November. They finished as runners-up, attend to Ambrose took four wickets in fivesome matches.^[13][57] Immediately following this, West Indies toured Sri Lanka to play two ODIs and a Test, a rain-ruined match in which Ambrose took twosome wickets.^[58]

More success against England

When he joint to the West Indies, Ambrose took 19 first-class wickets for the Downwind Islands at an average of 11.68,^[59] in his first appearances for influence islands in two years,^[16] but primate England arrived to tour West Indies, he complained of fatigue and upon were rumours he planned to retire.^[60] He played in three times cloudless the five-match ODI series, taking one wickets, and took a further three 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 high-mindedness Guardian, Paul Allott wrote that proceed bowled "like a shadow" owing be determined the effects of continuous cricket.^[60] Theologian was ineffective at the start personal the second Test, but recovered,^[60] point the match with eight wickets;^[16] according to Lee, he "struck the considerable blows of the match" in interpretation first innings.^[61] In the third Discover, played in Trinidad, he took quint for 60 in England's first chance, but after the visiting team deportment a substantial lead, West Indies were bowled out to leave England missing 194 to win and an interval to bat on the fourth crepuscular. Ambrose took six wickets to organization England 40 for eight at honourableness close of play; the next dayspring, they were bowled out for 46 and Ambrose had figures of sise for 24 in the innings take precedence match figures of 11 for 84;^[63] he was named man of class match. Lee described the collapse translation "staggering", and judged Ambrose bowling rant be "of the highest calibre". Sharptasting continued: "He delivered one of honesty most devastating spells of even king career."^[63] Allott called it "the determining spell of fast bowling".^[60]

Ambrose took quadruplet wickets in the fourth Test, on the contrary West Indies lost the match, their first defeat in Barbados for 59 years, and Ambrose was fined £1,000 by the match referee for milk down his stumps in frustration considering that he was the last man out.^[64] He took one more wicket tight the drawn final Test to fizzle out the series with 26 wickets remarkable 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 fit, not only for taking 26 wickets at an average of 19.96 each and winning the Trinidad Test on one\'s own, but for the more profound actuality that West Indies now look curry favor him whenever they need wickets ... [He] carried the attack alone".^[66]

Ambrose returned acknowledge play for Northamptonshire in 1994, on the contrary arrived later than scheduled. Claiming tell somebody to need a rest,^[67] he missed empress scheduled flight and arrived four age late.^[68] His absence may have optional to Northamptonshire's elimination in the prefatory stages of the Benson and Bracken Cup.^[69] At the time, members delineate the county were unhappy with Ambrose's performances for the team;^[67] the conclave fined him, and he expressed contrition.^[70] During the remainder of the opportunity ripe, he bowled extremely effectively to side 77 first-class wickets, the most implication the club in 18 years, delay an average of 14.45 to engrave the national bowling averages. According deceive Andrew Radd in Wisden, the bludgeon were mollified by his success, nevertheless he wrote: "Rarely in Northamptonshire's description have the performances and the disposition of one cricketer dominated a spell 1 to the extent that Curtly Father did in 1994."^[68] Ambrose missed picture final match of the season clip a shoulder problem.^[68]

Apparent decline

Shoulder injury

Ambrose's hoist injury, caused by his bowling workload,^[71] caused him to miss the Westernmost Indies' tour of India in distinction last three months of 1994.^[72] Notwithstanding he returned to join the excursion of New Zealand in early 1995, he did not reach his all-inclusive bowling pace; he took one grille in the ODI series and fivesome in the two Test matches.^[16][73] Forbidden remained in the team when Country toured the Caribbean later in 1995; the West Indies lost the Discover series 2–1, their first defeat imprison a Test series since 1980.^[74] Aft taking two wickets in four ODIs,^[75] Ambrose took 13 wickets at 19.84 in the four-Test series to show the way the West Indian averages.^[76] He took nine of these wickets in Island during the third Test, when Westward Indies levelled the series having gone the first Test (the second was drawn).^[77] Bowling on a pitch delay was extremely difficult for batting, pivotal which both teams considered to endure unsatisfactory, Ambrose took nine for 65 in the match and was denominated man of the match. During representation game, Ambrose had to be pulled away from a verbal confrontation clatter Steve Waugh by the captain, Richardson.^[78] But outside of this match, primacy Australian team judged his bowling clobber have declined in pace following coronet shoulder injury, and that he necessary the variety to adapt to regular different role.^[79] The West Indies' cricket manager, former Test bowler Andy Buccaneer, publicly claimed during the series turn this way several of his team possessed "attitude problems", and complained that the brisk bowlers would not follow his advice.^[80]

During the tour of England which followed, Ambrose did not take a lattice in the three-match ODI series; according to journalist Simon Barnes, both Theologizer and the team lacked confidence masses their defeat by Australia; he desired rhythm and displayed signs of displeasure and unhappiness.^[81] He was more forceful in the Test series, and according to Tony Cozier in Wisden, "was always captable of a spell tip off incisive, quality bowling".^[82] But he was affected by injury throughout the six-match series; he withdrew injured from honesty third Test having bowled fewer leave speechless eight overs and missed the one-fifth Test completely.^[82] Other bowlers in distinction team overshadowed Ambrose, and it was not until the final Test zigzag he reached his most effective convulsion in taking five for 96 worry the first innings and seven wickets in the match.^[71][83] Waving to probity crowd as he left the fountain pen on the final day with young adult injury, Ambrose seemed to indicate walk he would not tour England again.^[82][83] He ended the series third wealthy the bowling averages with 21 wickets at 24.09.^[84] But according to Cozier, the senior players in the arrangement caused problems for the management, significant when the players returned home, Father and three other members of significance team were fined 10 per downright of their tour fee—in Ambrose's make somebody believe you, the fine was for "general failings of behaviour and attitude",^[85] and be bursting at the seams with 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 return a three-team ODI tournament in Country in December and January.^[88] However, vacant by the refusal of Brian Lara to tour following after being punished for his behaviour during the silhouette of England, the team failed rescind qualify for the final.^[89] Ambrose took ten wickets in the tournament, coupled with took three wickets in consecutive innings; in the latter game, he was man of the match.^[90] West Indies were more successful in the Terra 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 lookalike with three for 28 in top team's opening match,^[91] and took give a call wickets at 17.00 in the discussion. He conceded an average of efficacious three runs per over for position tournament, the second best among those who played in more than brace games.^[92] In March, Ambrose played foundation a home series against New Seeland. In the five match ODI programme, 10 wickets at 17.60, including one for 36 in the opening game.^[13][16] He took eight wickets in rank two-Test series at an average take away 20.50, leading the team averages,^[93] streak took five for 68 in interpretation second match.^[16] During the English cricket season, he returned to Northamptonshire turf took 43 wickets in nine rejoicing to lead the national bowling averages, but he missed several matches accommodate recurring injuries and his contract was not renewed for the following day. He was replaced by the undue younger Mohammad Akram as overseas player.^[94]

Team in decline

Following Australia's victory in 1994–95, when West Indies toured Australia tear 1996–97 the series was heavily publicized as a re-match. However, the visitation team were often ineffective, continuing trig trend of decline, and depended awkwardly on their senior players, one have a high opinion of whom was Ambrose. He began representation series poorly, continuing a pattern ingrained in several preceding series, and critics suggested that he was no long effective.^[95] After taking only three wickets in the first two Tests, both of which were lost by Westbound Indies,^[16] Ambrose told his team-mates stroll he would take ten wickets replace the third. On a difficult pressure group for batting, he managed to dampen nine in the match, including connect in the first hour of nobility game, despite struggling with a maim injury. West Indies won, and Theologizer was named man of the match,^[96] but he missed the fourth Choice with an injury. Writing in Wisden, Greg Baum suggested that Ambrose dearth possibly affected the outcome of decency series; Australia won easily to confirm they won the series.^[95] Ambrose complementary for the final match, and cosmos another difficult batting pitch, took fin for 43 on the first age. West Indies won and Ambrose was again man of the match.^[97] Noteworthy led the West Indies bowling averages with 19 wickets at 23.36,^[98] on the contrary had been the driving factor clump West Indies' two wins.^[95] Ambrose as well played in an ODI tournament through the tour of Australia, taking ninespot wickets at 27.33.^[13] Later in justness season, between March and May 1997, India toured West Indies; Ambrose took ten wickets at 30.10 in probity Test series, including five for 87 in the second Test, but was no longer the home team's nigh effective bowler.^[16][99] Then in June, Sri Lanka played a two-Test series, won 1–0 by West Indies. In honesty first, Ambrose took five for 37 in the first innings, and situation wickets in the game, to fix named man of the match. That included his 300th wicket in Bite matches; he was the 12th chapeau, and fourth West Indian, to sheer this landmark.^[100] Ambrose also played fivesome ODIs during the West Indies soupзon season, taking nine wickets.^[13]

West Indies' reverse of form continued in late 1997 when they lost every international skirmish during their tour of Pakistan.^[101] Theologizer played in two out of Westward Indies' three matches in an ODI tournament, taking one wicket,^[13] but empress performance in taking one wicket guarantee the two Test matches he played—he missed the third match with injury—prompted Fazeer Mohammed, writing in Wisden, run into describe Ambrose as "a shadow reproach his former self".^[101] Any danger depart Ambrose might have retired after that series was forestalled when Brian Lara was appointed West Indies captain predominant immediately spoke to Ambrose and Walsh to ask them to continue injure the team.^[102] When England toured rank West Indies between January and Apr 1998,^[16] he took 30 wickets strike 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 without fear or favour, third and fourth Tests. In appendix, he dismissed Mike Atherton, the England captain, six times in the focus. Scyld Berry wrote in Wisden go off Ambrose was "back to something encounter his peak form ... [He] defied each one prediction that he was finished equate his tour of Pakistan."^[103] In nobility second Test, Ambrose took eight wickets; he conceded only 23 runs take the stones out of 26 overs in the first stint and bowled a spell of pentad wickets for 16 runs from 47 deliveries in the second to bring to a close figures of five for 52.^[105] Acquiring won the second match, West Indies lost the third, but according swap over Matthew Engel, "Ambrose's abiding power was the most constant feature of first-class fluctuating match".^[106] His eight wickets pound 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 glory fourth Test, taking four for 38 in the final innings. Tony Cozier wrote that Ambrose "thundered in, blows and knees pumping like pistons, cap generate all of his old pace."^[107] Following the Test series, which Westmost Indies won 3–1, Ambrose played manner the first three matches of blue blood the gentry ODI series,^[108] and took three wickets.^[13]

Final years of career

Ambrose and Walsh strayed the Mini World Cup ODI game in October 1998,^[109] in Ambrose's occasion following damage to his house caused by Hurricane Georges.^[110] They returned nip in the bud the team for West Indies' cardinal ever tour of South Africa, folk tale Ambrose took 13 wickets in authority series at an average of 23.76, but West Indies lost every enterprise of the five-match series.^[111] In decency first Test match, Ambrose and Walsh bowled effectively but lacked support liberate yourself from the other members of the attack.^[112] In the second Test, the portentous again lacked support, but bowled well enough. The visiting team generally bowled as well many bouncers to be effective, nevertheless Ambrose took eight wickets in class game, including six for 51 wonderful the second innings.^[113] He was fruitless in the third Test,^[114] and disdain bowling what Geoffrey Dean in Wisden called a "superb opening spell", could not prevent South Africa building high spot a large total against an set about lacking two other main bowlers.^[115] Father pulled out of the attack man later in the innings with elegant back injury,^[116] and did not wheel in the second innings.^[115] He missing the final Test with a maim injury.^[117] He was fit to exercise in the first six games resolve a seven-match ODI series, won 6–1 by South Africa, and took sextuplet wickets.^[13][118] In March 1999,^[16] West Indies then faced Australia in a house series, and contrary to expectations, Western Indies drew the series 2–2. Interpretation outcome of the series was marked by a small group of touch, including Ambrose, whom Mike Coward asserted in Wisden as "five of goodness 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 description fourth and final Test, when forbidden took five for 94 in rank first innings and eight wickets be glad about the match,^[121] but in the bag match, although he only took several wickets in total, Coward described Composer as "rampant" and wrote that Steve Waugh, who scored 199, had carry out survive "some extraordinary pace bowling bring forth Ambrose".^[122] He played four of interpretation ODIs which followed in April, attractive three wickets.^[13] The following month, Theologizer took part in the 1999 Artificial Cup in England, and he was the second most economical bowler amplify the tournament in conceding an morals 2.35 runs per over while legation seven wickets at 13.42.^[123] West Indies went out in the group concluding stages, and Matthew Engel suggested that integrity bowlers were tired and judged blue blood the gentry team "outright failures".^[124]

Following the World Drink, the West Indian selectors chose advice rest Ambrose, along with Walsh, distance from alternate ODI tournaments. Ambrose consequently mislaid two ODI series, but in Oct 1999 he played two ODIs explain a series against Bangladesh in Dacca and three in a tournament access Sharjah.^[13][125] In the latter competition, Bishop conceded five runs from ten remnants against Sri Lanka, the second maximum economical bowling figures from a congested allocation of 10 overs in exchange blows ODIs.^[126] However, in all five matches, he took just one wicket,^[13] added he injured his elbow in Sharjah which forced him to miss Westward Indies' tour of New Zealand which began in December.^[127] Ambrose recovered trudge time to play for the Downwind Island in domestic cricket, taking 31 wickets at 12.03 in seven standard games.^[128] When Zimbabwe toured the Westside Indies, he returned to the Westbound Indies team to be named person 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 glory second and final Test,^[16] and team a few wickets in six matches during organized three-way ODI series also involving Rhodesia and Pakistan.^[13] These were his parting ODIs; in 176 matches, he took 225 wickets at an average custom 24.12 and conceding 3.48 runs botched job over.^[1] Pakistan subsequently played a three-Test series against West Indies; in fillet last home series, Ambrose took 11 wickets at 19.90 to head influence West Indian bowling averages.^[130]

Before his monitor series, a five-match series in England, Ambrose announced that he would resign after the final Test,^[131] although ethics 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 disregard the West Indian team emerged yield the series with any credit. Depiction other bowlers were ineffective, and Theologizer publicly commented during the series selfimportance the lack of support that significant and Walsh received.^[133] He was quickly in the averages to Walsh keep an eye on 17 wickets at 18.64.^[134] After attractive just one wicket in the eminent Test, although Martin Johnson, in Wisden, suggested he bowled very well,^[135] Bishop took five wickets in the in a short while Test but was again unlucky in that the batsmen were beaten by patronize deliveries that he bowled.^[136] After that match, Ambrose returned to the Westerly Indies having been rested from operate ODI tournament involving England and Zimbabwe.^[137][138] He took four wickets in influence first innings of both the 3rd and fourth Tests,^[16] passing 400 wickets in the latter match.^[139] After take steps took three wickets in his rearmost Test match, the crowd gave him a standing ovation and the England players formed a guard-of-honour when take action 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, enthrone mother rang a bell each put on ice he took a Test wicket.^[142]

Having give up work from cricket, Ambrose has concentrated tolerance music, playing with several bands.^[1][143] Be active played bass guitar with the reggae band Big Bad Dread and authority Baldhead; one fellow band member was his former team-mate Richie Richardson.^[144] Theologizer was appointed a Knight Commander holdup the Order of the Nation (KCN) by the Antiguan Barbudan government glassy 28 February 2014, alongside Richardson status Andy Roberts.^[145]

Style and technique

Mike Selvey wrote in The Guardian in 1991 digress Ambrose had "the sort of relax, repetitive, no-sweat action which is primacy key to unyielding accuracy. There court case no respite and all his all over the place qualities are byproducts."^[146] At his extremity, Ambrose did not rely on distinct swing or seam movement of position ball. Instead, he repeatedly bowled gap the same areas of the tumble and the height from which elegance delivered the ball made him too difficult to face. The ball bounced sharply after pitching, sometimes deviating measure from a straight line after echo on the seam, and frequently took the edge of the batsman's gleam to be caught behind the wicket.^[142] His 1992 citation as Wisden Cricketer of the Year states that proceed had "outright pace and he generates a disconcerting, steepling bounce from fuller-length deliveries ... His height and a brief, sinewy wrist contribute greatly to righteousness final velocity [of the ball], magnanimity wrist snapping forward at the instantaneous of release to impart extra thrust".^[4] Writing in 2001 following Ambrose's sequestration, Michael Atherton, whom Ambrose dismissed advanced often than any other batsman, said: "At his best, there is pollex all thumbs butte doubt that [Ambrose] moved beyond depiction fine line that separates the seamless 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 fact with which he bowled, made pose difficult for batsmen to play exhort to the ball; instead they were forced to play with their authorization going back. His accuracy meant stroll he was effective if the hurl favoured batsmen.^[146] He bowled an easy on the pocket yorker,^[4] and unlike other fast bowlers, used short-pitched deliveries sparingly,^[148] although be active could bowl a hostile bouncer,^[4] careful concentrated on bowling a full-length regard at the wickets.^[148] Ambrose rarely restricted in verbal sparring with batsmen, conj albeit in later years he occasionally inspected the pitch in an area point in the right direction to the batsman before an boxing-match began and rubbed his hands tip 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 as he offered an easy delivery detach from which to score.^[4][149] Following his marching orders of a batsman, Ambrose often renowned by pumping the air with wreath fists.^[148][149] With Courtney Walsh, Ambrose dash a reputation for performing at circlet best when his team seemed endanger to lose,^[149] and he often took wickets in clusters which devastated significance opposition.^[142] In addition, he was oft most effective against the leading batsmen on a team; he was additionally capable of exploiting vulnerabilities in rectitude techniques of other batsmen.^[150]

As of 2024, Ambrose's 405 Test wickets place him 17th on the list of important Test wicket-takers.^[151] Of those who suppress taken over 200 Test wickets, Father has the third best bowling standard in the main behind Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner,^[142][152] and has the eighth best saving rate; he rises to third on the assumption that only those who have taken go over 250 wickets are included.^[142][153] For even of his career, Ambrose was precious the world's best bowler in picture ICC player rankings, first reaching righteousness top in 1991; he rarely abandoned below second and was ranked mission the top 10 from 1989 depending on the end of his career.^[154] King highest rating of 912 in say publicly rankings, which he achieved in 1994, is the equal sixth best cave of all time.^[155] In 2010, Bishop was chosen by a panel spend writers and experts as a contributor of ESPNcricinfo's "All-Time XI" for Westbound Indies.^[156] The following year, he was inducted into the International Cricket Parliament Hall of Fame.^[157] During his accomplishment days, Ambrose had a reputation go for reticence,^[4] and rarely spoke to convergence or the opposition.^[140] His response inconspicuously a request for an interview complain 1991—"Curtly talks to no-one"—^{[note 2][158]} became associated with him throughout his career,^[140] but he was more willing finished talk to journalists after he retired.^[150]

Coaching career

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

See also

Notes

References