Ambrose bounced as WI bowling coach

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

Bowling legend Sir Curtly Ambrose says he is shocked by his sacking as West Indies bowling consultant and also claimed he was blindsighted by the decision.

The 52-year-old, who has served in the role for the past three years, said he had only been informed of the decision by head coach Phil Simmons less than a week ago and also pointed out that he had already planned his schedule around next month's Tri-Nations Series and the four-Test India series starting in July.

"I only learnt about it from head coach Phil Simmons on Wednesday (last week), and when he told me, I said to him that I am very disappointed because I never expected it and I never saw it coming because he never gave me any indication he was going to let me go," Sir Curtly told the Observer newspaper here.

"So it came as a bit of a shock, basically, but I haven't decided which direction I am going to take just yet. I'll just pause and give it a little time to think about it and decide where I want to go after."

Last Friday, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced that the Antiguan would be replaced by former Barbados and West Indies A fast bowler, Roddy Estwick, who was recently bowling coach for Barbados Pride in the Regional four-day championship.

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The move came just three weeks prior to the start of the June 3-26 Tri-Nations Series involving Australia and South Africa and just over a month after Sir Curtly helped guide West Indies to their second capture of the Twenty20 World Cup in India.

Sir Curtly said he had been told by Simmons that he required a bowling consultant who was "more technical", hence the decision to go with Barbadian Estwick.

"I spoke to head coach Phil Simmons and he told me that he wanted someone who is more technical to work with the fast bowlers," Sir Curtly explained.

"So, I said to him 'Well, 'if you knew I was doing a poor job then you should have told me', He said no, I did a fantastic job because I brought a high level of discipline to the team and I have motivated the guys quite a bit."

He added: "I did wish him all the best and asked him to continue with the team and that we can get some positive results because I am not going to hold him in malice or hold it against him. It's just disappointing."