Former West Indies Fast Bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose has labelled as disappointing, his removal as bowling consultant for the senior men’s team ahead of next month’s one-day international triangular series against Australia and South Africa. News broke late last week that the Antiguan has been replaced by former West Indies A Cricketer Roderick Estwick. Estwick is also a former bowling coach with the Barbados Pride.
“I only learnt about it from head coach Phil Simmons on Wednesday (last week), and when he told me I said to him that I am very disappointed, because I never expected it, and I never saw it coming because he never gave me any indication he was going to let me go. So, it came as a bit of a shock basically, but I haven’t decided which direction I am going to take just yet. I’ll just pause and give it a little time to think about it and decide where I want to go after,” Sir Curtly said.
The former pacer, one of Antigua and Barbuda’s four Knighted cricketers, was bowling consultant with the regional outfit for the last three years, most recently during their triumphant World Twenty20 campaign in India. Sir Curtly revealed at least one reason he was given for the surprise decision.
“I spoke to Head Coach Phil Simmons, and he told me that he wanted someone who is more technical to work with the fast bowlers. So, I said to him well, if you knew I was doing a poor job, then you should have told me. He said no, I did a fantastic job, because I brought a high level of discipline to the team, and I have motivated the guys quite a bit. I’ve gotten the respect from all the guys, and I did a fantastic job, but he wants somebody more technical, hence, he is going for Roderick Estwick,” he said.
Sir Curtly, who took 405 Test wickets at an average of 20.99 and topped the ICC Player Rankings for much of his career, said he was looking towards the upcoming tri-nation series. He however holds no grudge against Simmons or the WICB. “I had high hopes for the tri-nation series and the Test series against India, because I have planned most of my stuff around those series. So, it was a bit of a shock, and it’s disappointing, but he’s the boss, and the head coach is the one who selects his crew, his coaching staff,” he said.
“I did wish him all the best and asked him to continue with the team and that we can get some positive results, because I am not going to hold him in malice or hold it against him…. Its’ just disappointing,” he added. Estwick is due to join the West Indies camp on Thursday.