Veteran West Indian Cricketing Maestro Curtly Ambrose Reflects on Glory Days and Future Prospects for Cricket in the Caribbean
As the towering 6ft 7in frame of Sir Curtly Elconn Lynwall Ambrose approaches the table, there is a languid ease about the former West Indies fast bowling great. At 60 years old, the once-fearsome cricketing giant has mellowed, but the memories of his ferocious exploits on the pitch still linger.
Ambrose, who claimed 405 Test wickets during a storied career from 1988 to 2000, recently visited Glasgow to promote his home island of Antigua, which is set to host matches during the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies. In a candid conversation, the legendary bowler reflects on the glory days of the all-conquering West Indies team, the decline of the sport in the region, and the growing competitiveness of the so-called “minnows” like Scotland.
Ambrose, who was known for his reluctance to grant interviews with his iconic “Curtly talk to no man” mantra, has now embraced a more open dialogue. “I do remember that,” he says, recalling the West Indies’ comprehensive victory over Scotland during the 1999 World Cup, when the Caribbean side bowled out the Scots for a mere 68 runs. “Someone just said I also played against Scotland when I was with Northamptonshire. But I don’t remember that one.”
The West Indian great is delighted to see the progress made by the likes of Scotland and Ireland in recent years, acknowledging that they are no longer the “walkover” teams of the past. “These teams have improved so much. They are now winning games against the bigger teams. That’s very good for cricket and for me that’s very pleasing,” he says.
Ambrose, who was part of the legendary West Indies side that dominated world cricket for 15 years, attributes their success to the ability to unite diverse backgrounds and personalities towards a common goal. “We knew that we were there to support the West Indies and the five to six million of us. That really kept us going,” he explains.
However, the former fast bowler is not shy in voicing his disappointment with the current state of West Indian cricket, which has significantly declined in recent years. “We are not playing well. That has been the case for a number of years,” he laments. Ambrose believes the lack of investment in nurturing young talent, through the absence of proper academies and development programs, has contributed to the team’s downfall.
Despite the challenges, Ambrose is excited about the West Indies hosting the upcoming T20 World Cup, confident that the unique atmosphere and energy of Caribbean cricket will captivate the visiting fans, including those from Scotland. “Cricket in the Caribbean — the atmosphere and everything else — is totally different to anywhere else. I’m looking forward to it and the Scotland fans will enjoy it. Believe me,” he says.
As Ambrose stretches his frame and walks towards a stage to play bass guitar, one can still envision the legendary fast bowler striding back to his mark, ready to unleash his fearsome deliveries once more. The enduring spirit of cricket’s greatest rivalries continues to inspire the former West Indian great.
🔗 Source