Curtly Ambrose Profile: The Towering West Indian Fast Bowler

Curtly Ambrose was one of the most feared fast bowlers of the late twentieth century. Standing about 6 ft 7 in tall, he used his height to extract steep bounce and lift from even docile pitches, and he formed a famous new-ball partnership with Courtney Walsh for West Indies in the 1990s.

Early life and rise

Born in Swetes, Antigua, in 1963, Ambrose came to cricket relatively late and played for the Leeward Islands in the domestic game before joining the West Indies side in 1988. He had a quiet, intense manner and let his bowling do the talking.

Playing style

Ambrose bowled right-arm fast with a smooth run-up and a high arm, hitting a consistent length just outside off-stump. Accurate and relentless, he gave batters little to hit and often took wickets by bowling long, probing spells. He was also a fiercely competitive cricketer.

Career highlights

He took 405 Test wickets in 98 matches at an average of about 21. In 1993, he took 7 wickets for 1 run in a spell against Australia in Perth, finishing with 8 for 45 in the innings, one of the great bowling displays in Test cricket. In 1994, he took 6 for 24 as England were dismissed for 46 in Port of Spain.

In one-day internationals, he took 225 wickets in 176 matches. He also played county cricket for Northamptonshire, where he built a strong following.

Legacy

Ambrose retired from international cricket in 2000. He is regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the game’s history and a key figure in a West Indies side that dominated for years. Career totals are quoted as at his retirement.

Frequently asked questions

How many Test wickets did Curtly Ambrose take?

He took 405 Test wickets in 98 matches.

What was Ambrose’s famous spell in Perth?

In 1993 he took 7 wickets for 1 run against Australia, finishing with 8 for 45 in the innings.

Who was Ambrose’s bowling partner?

He formed a celebrated new-ball partnership with Courtney Walsh.