When one talks about the Golden Era for the West Indies in international cricket, Curtly Ambrose is one name that made the team even more dominant. Ambrose was an essential clog in the West Indies’ hostile fast-bowling lineup which ruled international cricket for decades. It is on this day, when Sir Curtly Ambrose was born. The legendary West Indian fast bowler, left an indelible mark on the world of cricket with his exceptional performances in both One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches. His career highlights include memorable moments that showcased his prowess.
In the 1987/88 series against Pakistan, Ambrose displayed his ODI excellence by picking up 10 wickets in just three games, with a remarkable average of 10.35. The lethal right arm quickly continued to shine in ODIs, winning the Man of the Match award in the Champions Trophy final in the UAE with figures of 4/29. His stellar form extended to the Benson and Hedges series in 1988/89, where he claimed 21 wickets, including a remarkable 5/17 against Australia at the MCG.
Ambrose’s ODI success translated seamlessly into Test cricket. In a Test against Australia at Perth, he captured eight wickets, including his first five-wicket haul, while also injuring Jeff Lawson. Ambrose’s defining moment came in 1990 against England at Kensington Oval, where, in just five overs, he took the last five wickets, finishing with 8/45 to level the series. Another memorable performance was against South Africa in 1992, where Ambrose’s 6/34 demolished the opposition after they looked set for a historic win. In 1992/93, he unleashed one of cricket’s greatest spells, taking seven wickets for just one run against Australia in Perth, sealing a series victory.
Despite injuries, the 59-year-old formed a formidable partnership with Courtney Walsh, taking a staggering 412 wickets together in 52 Tests, with an average of 22. However, their accomplishments coincided with a period of stagnation in West Indies cricket. Ambrose retired in 2000 and was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2011. His statistics and impact on the game speak volumes about his greatness, embodying a silent yet gigantic presence on the cricket field. In 2014, he was knighted during the first ODI between West Indies and England, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history.