Currently engaged as a commentator in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in Sylhet, Sir Curtly Ambrose humbly deflected credit when congratulated for the success of pacer Shamar Joseph, who secured a remarkable seven-wicket haul, leading the West Indies to a memorable Test victory over Australia at the Gabba. Joseph had earlier hailed Ambrose as the player he idolises.
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star, Ambrose expressed pride in Shamar’s achievements and drew parallels between the young pacer and Caribbean greats. Ambrose initially noticed Shamar’s raw pace during a pace bowling clinic in 2022, predicting his future success.
“The first time I saw Shamar Joseph was when I went to Guyana for a pace bowling clinic for a weekend. He was part of the pace bowling clinic and that’s when I met him for the first time. I was very impressed with his raw pace. I remember I told him that I expect to see him in the Guyana national colours shortly and once he gets there, I want to see him in the West Indies team. “ Sir Curtly Ambrose said.
“That’s what I told him then and last year when I met him again during the CPL, he reminded me what I had told him earlier. And he did make the Guyana team as well and he also played for the Guyana franchise in the CPL and within a short period of time here he is as an international cricketer and has done extremely well in Australia” he added.
Emphasizing the importance of aspiring to greatness, Ambrose encouraged fast bowlers to surpass his achievements. Joseph had always idolised Curtly Ambrose, speaking on that he proudly delved into his feelings. He commended Shamar’s dedication, passion, and rapid ascent to international success, highlighting the positive impact on West Indies cricket.
“It’s always a nice feeling when someone idolises you and wants to be like you. But to all fast bowlers who idolise me or want to be like me, I always said no, don’t be like me, as you have got to be better than me. “
“That’s the inspiration I always give them, just don’t settle to be like me, be better than I was. I am really happy for him, he is among those persons who are willing to learn, are passionate and always want to represent West Indies.“
Shamar Joseph’s remarkable 7-68 led the West Indies to an exhilarating eight-run win in the pink-ball Test at the Gabba, ending a 27-year drought in Australia. The rookie pacer’s second fifer of the series halted Australia’s 11-match day-night Test winning streak, sealing a historic victory for the West Indies in challenging conditions.
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