Curtly Ambrose: Six balls to six strings

There used to be few sights scarier for a batsman than a West Indian paceman steamrolling down from the other end. When Joel ‘Big Bird’ Garner called it a day, a young Curtly Ambrose took forward the tradition of hurling yorkers and bouncers from over 10 feet. “Curtly talks to no man” — a cold response to a journalist associated with Ambrose through his career was testimony to how it was the bowling that did the talking. Twelve years and over 400 Test wickets hence, the cricket ball in Ambrose’s hand was replaced with a bass guitar.

Ambrose keeps the rhythm section of his reggae band ‘Spirited’ tight just like his line and length. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Beres Hammond are among his favourites. And while it was buddy Courtney Walsh who partnered him as they sent stumps cartwheeling on the grounds, Ambrose now finds with him onstage former teammate Richie Richardson playing rhythm guitar as they perform across Antigua. So, one knows if things get rowdy at a gig, there is Richardson to pull Ambrose away.

At least, Steve Waugh hopes so.