• 2024-02

Curtly Ambrose

Curtly Ambrose

Curtly Linton Ambrose, CD (born 21 September 1963) is a former West Indian cricketer and captain widely acknowledged as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. A giant of a man at 6 ft 7 in (201 cm), Ambrose made his Test debut in 1988 and quickly established himself as one of the world's most dangerous bowlers. He was especially known for his unplayable bouncers, which accounted for many of his 405 Test wickets. Ambrose also played 176 One Day Internationals (ODIs), taking 225 wickets. He was a key member of the West Indies team that won the 1975 and 1979 Cricket World Cups.

Ambrose retired from international cricket in 2000, but he continued to play first-class cricket for a few more years. He was awarded the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) in 2000 and the Order of Distinction (OD) in 2002. In 2009, he was elected to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Early life and career

Ambrose was born in Saint John's, Antigua, and grew up in a poor family. He started playing cricket at the age of 11, and quickly showed promise as a fast-medium pacebowler. At the age of 17, he was selected for the Leeward Islands under-19 team.

In 1985, Ambrose made his first-class debut for the Leeward Islands. He quickly established himself as one of the best bowlers in the Caribbean, and in 1988 he was selected for the West Indies Test team.

International career

Ambrose made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1988. He took 4 wickets in the match, and went on to establish himself as one of the world's best bowlers. He was a key member of the West Indies team that won the 1975 and 1979 Cricket World Cups.

Ambrose was known for his unplayable bouncers, which accounted for many of his 405 Test wickets. He was also a very economical and reliable swingbowler. He was almost impossible to score runs against, and he was a nightmare for batsmen everywhere he went.

Ambrose retired from international cricket in 2000, but he continued to play first-class cricket for a few more years. He was a very popular and respected figure in the world of cricket, and he is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.

Personal life

Ambrose is married and has two children. He is a devout Christian, and he is involved in several charitable organizations. He is also an accomplished singer, and he has released several albums.

Career highlights

405 Test wickets
62 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket
225 wickets in One Day Internationals
5 wickets in 5 consecutive balls in One Day Internationals
Was part of the West Indies team that won the 1975 and 1979 Cricket World Cups
Was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1992
Was elected to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009
Was awarded the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) in 2000
Was awarded the Order of Distinction (OD) in 2002