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Change Your Life! |
England
tour to be swan song for West Indies veteran Ambrose |
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News |
May 31, 2000
ST. JOHN'S, MAY 30 (AP) - West Indies fast bowling great Curtly Ambrose chose a triumphant moment in his home country to announce he will retire from international cricket after his country's summer tour of England.
"I have already notified the West Indies Cricket Board that after the England series I am going to call it a day," Antiguan Ambrose told reporters Monday after the West Indies' series-clinching one-wicket win over Pakistan.
"It's time for me to pack it in. The England series will be my last. After that there will be no more cricket for me," he added.
Ambrose, 36, stretched his tally of wickets to 388 in 93 Tests in the West Indies' emotional win at the Antigua Recreation Ground.
"I've thought about it long and hard and I think that a man has got to know his limitations," Ambrose said. "I think that it's time for me to leave. I've made my decision and I'll stick by it."
The Antiguan is in his 13th season of international cricket, having made his debut against the Pakistanis in the Caribbean in 1988.
"I set myself high standards and if I can't measure up to those standards, I'd rather not play," Ambrose said. "So before that happens, I'd rather leave knowing that I left the game on a high."
Ambrose, who will turn 37 on September 21, just after the tour of England ends, said he is confident the strong tradition of West Indies fast bowling will be continued.
"Reon King is improving, Franklyn Rose is bowling well," he said. "I'm not saying that they are going to be world-beaters overnight, but they are improving."
Ambrose, who has taken more wickets against England than any other opponents, said that a successful series there would not alter his decision.
"Somebody asked me not so long ago, if I go to England and get 40 wickets, if I'd have second thoughts," he said. "The answer is no. I've just about had enough and I think it's time for me to leave."
Ambrose, though, warned that the England tour would not be a vacation for him.
"As you can see, I am still standing strong," he said. "I haven't really shirked despite the fact that some figure I am too old for this game. I am still looking forward to the challenge in England."
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