ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has turned to legendary fast bowlers Sir Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh to mentor some of the region’s up-and-coming players.
As part of CWI’s ongoing commitment to nurturing regional talent, Sir Curtly and Walsh actively engage with West Indies Academy players at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua.
With over 1350 wickets between them, Sir Curtly and Walsh are considered to be among two of the greatest fast bowlers to ever play for the West Indies.
The initiative began on May 21 with a robust legacy discussion led by Sir Curtly, who shared personal stories and insights on West Indies cricket’s proud heritage, global achievements, and enduring spirit.
The session served as a reminder to the Academy players of the prestigious legacy they are now part of as emerging game ambassadors.
Building on this momentum, the mentorship program will continue with technical and experiential sessions led by the fast-bowling greats.
Sir Curtly will lead red ball scenario-based training, focusing on match awareness, tactical execution, and mindset development. Walsh will guide players through a two-day practice match and offer in-depth mentoring as part of his role as bowling mentor.
Director of Cricket at CWI, Miles Bascombe, said the initiative would provide invaluable experience.
“There is no greater inspiration for our young players than learning directly from the legends whose names are etched in the history of West Indies cricket.
“This initiative not only enhances their technical skills but also helps instill the values, pride, and passion that define what it means to wear the maroon,” Bascombe said.
Academy Head Coach Ramesh Subasinghe spoke about the importance of historical education in the development of young players.
“For our young players, understanding the history of West Indies cricket is just as important as developing their technical and tactical skills.
“Having legends like Sir Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh share their journeys, approaches, and values brings a depth of learning that no textbook or training manual can offer,” Subasinghe said.
“It connects our players to something greater than themselves—it reminds them of the legacy they’re carrying forward every time they step onto the field.”
The mentorship sessions are part of a broader player development strategy being rolled out by CWI to ensure that promising young cricketers receive world-class guidance on and off the field.
In two weeks, the Academy will take on their counterparts from Sri Lanka here in Antigua in two four-day first-class matches and three 50-over matches to be played at the Coolidge Cricket Ground and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, respectively.
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