by HAYDN GILL FORMER WEST INDIES fast bowler Curtly Ambrose is lamenting the West Indies Cricket Board's (WICB) seeming reluctance to involve former players in the development of the game. His comments come especially against the background that not a single West Indian is attached to the coaching staff of the West Indies team. "I'm real disappointed. Not only myself, but other past cricketers have always said that they would like to help," Ambrose said. "West Indies cricket has made us household names regionally and internationally. We always believe that we have a lot to offer, but for some strange reason, the WICB ... I don't know. They are probably not listening." Ambrose was speaking during a brief visit to Barbados when the Barbados Cricket Association was presented with a US$100 000 cheque for their participation in the Stanford 20/20 tournament. Ambrose, who took 405 wickets (ave. 20.99) in 98 Tests and 225 scalps in 176 ODIs during an outstanding career for the West Indies between 1988 and 2000, is one of 14 legends acting as ambassadors for the lucrative Stanford 20/20 competition. "I hope that this 20/20 tournament will open a few eyes and ears and give us a chance to help our cricketers. It can only make them better," Ambrose added. Concern about injuries The West Indies team's coaching staff is made up of a four-man group of Australians, although the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers also works with the squad as a technical consultant. Ambrose, who in tandem with Courtney Walsh, manfully led the West Indies attack for a number of years, said there was potential among the current crop of fast bowlers, but was unhappy about the spate of injuries. "We have a bunch of guys who can become great fast bowlers. The problem they have at the moment is injuries. I don't know what is the problem," he said. "It's very difficult for any captain to assemble a team and every game you keep changing and changing. It cannot be an effective unit like that. "These guys need to develop their bodies. I don't think they are developed enough. They need to train much more, train harder and train the proper way." In looking ahead to the upcoming series against New Zealand, Ambrose said the West Indies wouldn't have an easy time. "We aren't playing the best cricket at the moment. I know these guys have talent. There is no doubt about it. We've seen it from time to time," he said. "The problem at the moment is that we are struggling for consistency. As long as we can string together some good consistent performances, I'm sure that these guys will do well in New Zealand." l haydngill@nationnews.com
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