Curtly Ambrose’s autobiography has just the right mix of reflection, forthrightness and lists

Jonhenry Wilson25-Apr-2015Curtly Ambrose’s new autobiography, , is epitomised on this subject.The obligatory rhetoric about Test match cricket’s superiority to any limited-overs format seems unbecoming of the great fast bowler, but it is duly balanced with entreaties for West Indies cricket to invest more resources and finance in domestic first-class competition – and lure former greats back as meaningful mentors.No cricketer’s autobiography would be complete without a recollection of the individual on-field highs, of which there were plenty for Ambrose, who lists 1990’s 8 for 45 against England in Bridgetown, 1992’s 6 for 34 against South Africa at the same venue and 1993’s 7 for 25 against the Aussies in Perth among the best. A Test batting average of 12.40, understandably, didn’t bring many crowning moments – but an irrational need to thrash Andrew Caddick’s bowling doesn’t go unmentioned. The book is concluded with Ambrose’s selection of the 13 best non-West Indian cricketers he watched – or played against. Unsurprisingly five Australians and three Englishman crack the nod. Very intriguingly, a certain New Zealander caps the elite collective.Time to Talk
by Curtly Ambrose and Richard Sydenham
Aurum Press Ltd
Pages 288, £18.99 (hardback)