curtly

Curtly Ambrose took five for 43 as Australia were dismissed for 243 on the first day of the Fifth Test in Perth.

Arm in arm, fighting back the tears, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh finally took their leave of Test cricket in England, the most prolific opening attack in history quietened at last.

Curtly Ambrose bowled through the pain barrier to destroy Australia in Melbourne yesterday.

ENGLAND V WEST INDIES, Lord's 2000: By two wickets - Dominic Cork's unbeaten 33 carried England home against the ageing pace attack of Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose to level the series.

As England's batsmen prepared to take on the might of Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and co, Post photographer John James captured the atmosphere that can only come when the sun shines on the summer game.

McGrath should enjoy a lively Leewards home pitch - but so too will Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose, who have been sensational, and off- spinner Nehemiah Perry could also play a major role.

The only comfort for the West Indians, who were without fast bowler Curtly Ambrose with a hamstring injury, was a weather forecast of afternoon rain showers on the final day.

The pairing of Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose displayed classic rhythm and perfect bowling action on Thursday and can still perform at the highest level.

The clash of wills between Michael Atherton and Curtly Ambrose dominated the opening exchanges.

And remember, Curtly Ambrose and I haven't been playing and our younger guys have been finding their feet in English conditions.

Kirtley's nickname is 'Ambie' because, believe it or not, former West Indian fast bowler Curtly Ambrose may have been named after his grandfather, who was a Baptist minister on Ambrose's home island of Antigua.

One vintage new-ball spell could sweep Curtly Ambrose into history in the Headingley Test.

England clearly have the edge against their opponents, who lack the bowlers to properly support main pair Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose.

Michael Vaughan played well enough for 29 but veterans Walsh and Curtly Ambrose had the upper hand, bagging four wickets each as the home side were dismissed for 303, a lead of 146.

Curtly Ambrose disposed of Ramprakash off the last ball of the opening over, and Courtney Walsh removed Atherton from the final delivery of his first over.