Curtly Ambrose Confident in West Indies' Pace Attack to Challenge England

Curtly Ambrose is confident that the West Indies' fast bowlers can disrupt England's aggressive "Bazball" strategy this summer, although he personally dismisses the label as insignificant.

Speaking ahead of the three-match Test series commencing at Lord’s on Wednesday, Ambrose downplayed England’s ultra-aggressive approach under Ben Stokes over the past two years, describing it as merely a "fancy name." He suggested that it might not be as revolutionary as it is portrayed. Ambrose, known for his prowess against English batsmen during his career, remarked that past West Indies and Australian teams always had aggressive players, implying that England's current tactics are not unique.

Ambrose expressed his scepticism about the term "Bazball," stating that he never gave it much thought. He acknowledged that while England traditionally played a slower game, their recent decision to adopt an aggressive style and coin a new term for it was not particularly noteworthy to him.

Despite Kemar Roach's absence due to injury, the West Indies' bowling lineup appears formidable. Alzarri Joseph provides pace, while Jayden Seales, who played a crucial role in winning the Richards-Botham Trophy in 2022, has an impressive Test record with an average of 24 runs per wicket and has been acclimating at Sussex. Additionally, Shamar Joseph, who emerged as a key player with a seven-wicket performance in the historic victory at the Gabba in January, adds to the attack. Despite a broken toe and being relatively new to first-class cricket, Joseph's performance was outstanding. The experience of Jason Holder as an all-rounder further bolsters the team’s prospects, provided their batting lineup, led by Kraigg Brathwaite with 12 of the team’s 16 Test centuries, can deliver the necessary runs.

Ambrose pinpointed that the West Indies' chances are promising but stressed the importance of putting runs on the board. He pointed out that scoring heavily is crucial for the team’s success, as the bowlers often face the challenge of defending low totals. Ambrose believes that if the team can accumulate substantial scores, their bowlers have the capability to dismiss England twice.

Although Ambrose is credited for Shamar Joseph's rise, particularly after their encounter at a fast-bowling camp in Guyana two years ago, he prefers to downplay his influence. Nonetheless, Ambrose's excitement about Joseph, who hails from the remote village of Baracara, is evident.