Happy to see fast bowlers come back into the game

Interview/ Sir Curtly Ambrose, former West Indies pace bowler

CRICKET-AUS-WIS Sir Curtly Ambrose | AFP

SIR CURTLY ELCONN LYNWALL AMBROSE, arguably the greatest bowler of his generation, was a man of few words during his playing days. The man who once told a journalist “Curtly talks to no one”, is now in England as a radio commentator for BBC. The 1992 Wisden Cricketer of the Year was bowling consultant to the West Indies for three years, until he was replaced just ahead of the World Cup. Though disappointed, Ambrose, typically, chose not to be vocal about it. He spoke to THE WEEK during the India-West Indies match. Edited excerpts:

Q/ Fast bowlers have been grabbing headlines in this World Cup—Mohammad Amir, Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah.... Your thoughts on the talent on display.

A/ I like Bumrah. He is one of best bowlers in the world. He has a very straight action. He is totally different from any other bowler I have seen. He basically walks up to the crease and takes a couple of steps, but generates great pace. I am quite happy to see that all the teams have a couple of good fast bowlers. There was a point when spinners were dominating. I am quite happy to see fast bowlers come back into the game.

Q/ Are you surprised that the wickets have not been totally flat?

A/Before the World Cup started, I thought it was going to be high scoring. But it is not so. I am quite happy that it is a bit of an even contest between bat and ball.

Q/ Is it because conditions changed midway through the tournament?

A/The surfaces are a little helpful to the bowlers, which is important. In recent years, groundsmen have tended to prepare flatter surfaces and shorter boundaries. Now that surfaces are a little helpful to bowlers, it makes scoring tougher.

Q/ Your thoughts on the use of two new balls. It has affected swing and reverse swing is barely visible.

A/I like two new balls. Sometimes the ball gets worn out a lot and there is nothing for the bowlers. It is true that there has been less reverse swing, and only the occasional swing. But, look at the scores! It shows that bowlers doing quite well.

Q/ Your thoughts on the West Indies bowling unit.

A/They showed great discipline against India. In the initial games, they bowled too short, too often. There is nothing wrong in bowling short, but I thought it did not really work. And they failed to change, especially against Pakistan.

Q/ Jason Holder was the standout bowler against India. Comments?

A/He has the ability to contain batsmen. Early on he too, was caught up in this short ball stuff. That is not his style. He should bowl decent line and length that can contain batsmen. Against India, he showed that.

Q/ Is the future of West Indies cricket promising?

A/Yes. They have a bunch of young guys. The future is looking bright as long as they do not chop and change, which they tend to do. If there is continuity, you will see a resurgence in West Indies cricket.