ENG vs WI 2017: Curtly Ambrose Believes Windies have Slim Chances Against Hosts
Dec 31, 2018 at 1:59 PM
Former star Windies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose in his straightforward response revealed his national side has slimmest of the chances during the forthcoming three-match Test series which will kick start with the Pink-ball Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham on August 17.
“Speaking from the heart as a West Indian, I’m hoping they can at least win a match or compete. But as a realist I’m not so sure they are going to compete against England,” Ambrose told BBC’s radio programme.
The Antigua-born fast-bowler, Ambrose owing to his resolute faith feels the hosts are hot-favourites for the longer version of the game after routing Faf du Plessis-led South Africa by 3-1, in the four-match series of Basil D’Oliveira Trophy.
“England are the favourites, they have just beaten South Africa 3-1 – and South Africa are a better team than the West Indies at the moment. (England’s) confidence is sky high,” Ambrose added.
On the other side, England is brimming with confidence for the recent Test series win over the Proteas, as their only cause of concern seems to be a top-order batting line-up which was found wanting against South Africa’s bowling line-up.
However, the 53-year-old legendary bowler, who expressed the concern for the national side, has opined that the Jason Holder-led Windies is capable of competing against England in the United Kingdom.
“Whether it’s a pink or a red ball, the way they are playing now, I am very, very concerned,” Ambrose maintained.
It’s pertinent to mention the Windies squad is currently sweating it out in England to give their best of the performances against quality side Three Lions.
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Playing an integral role for Windies during his pace bowling career, Ambrose, who has the vast amount of experience on his back reiterated the Caribbean’s players have to work hard to win a game or so, as further sees it as a challenging task for the visitors.
“The West Indies on the other hand will have to play exceptionally well, first of all to compete, let alone win a game,” Ambrose concluded.
The hapless Windies have lost series on the trot which further led to the downfall of a side which was a strong force to reckon on in the 90s. Interestingly, Windies lost 14 Tests in their last 17 matches in England which have further made the equation difficult for the visitors, as they are banking on young crop of cricketers.
Moreover, the second Test is scheduled at Headingley in Leeds on August 25 and the final Test will be played between 7 to 11 September at the iconic Lord’s.
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The left-arm fast bowler during his international stint bagged 405 wickets in 98 Tests and 225 wickets in 176 One-day Internationals. The star bowler made his international debut against Pakistan in May 1988 at Kingston, in a bid to play a significant role for the national side before playing his last international fixture in 2000.