ST JOHN’S – Fast bowling legend Sir Curtly Ambrose says he is eyeing a return to coaching, after becoming one of the latest batch of 25 officials from the Caribbean and North America to complete the Level Three certification.
Sir Curtly was joined by the likes of former Test players Reon King, Pedro Collins, Stuart Williams and Ryan Hinds, in undergoing the course put on by Cricket West Indies and the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Since his retirement from international cricket 18 years ago, the 54-year-old Antiguan had a short stint as bowling coach with the Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners before taking up a role as bowling consultant with West Indies.
He was replaced by Roddy Estwick in the Windies position two years ago.
“[I want to] use this newly-acquired skill as soon as I am able to and I am looking forward to contributing more soon,” Sir Curtly said.
Andrew Richardson, who snatched 192 wickets in 68 first class matches for Jamaica, said the certification had significantly enhanced his skills.
“It was an opportunity I have always wanted. I am hoping this will benefit the players I work with at all levels to be able to produce the best players for West Indies cricket,” said the 36-year-old, who is assistant coach of the Jamaica Scorpions.
A team of ECB instructors, led by Tim Dellor, conducted the course while former West Indies Test players Jeffrey Dujon, Gus Logie and Tony Gray, along with experienced coach Hendy Springer, provided assistance with specialist modules.
Jimmy Adams, CWI’s director of cricket, said the Level 3 course was crucial to the development of cricket in the region as it allowed coaches to proper prepare elite players.
“With the Level Three certification, coaches are better equipped to lead their national teams and the training and experience should provide the tools necessary for more one on one coaching, while allowing them to better prepare elite players,” he explained.
“Producing world class players and winning teams is our number one objective within CWI’s new five-year strategic plan. There is a proven direct correlation between high level coaching standards and good players and ultimately, winning teams.
“And by collaborating with the ECB, this is a great demonstration of how partnerships can help CWI pool resources to increase investment in our great game.” (CMC)
