West Indies Local: Fired up

Curtly Ambrose is coming to Kensington Oval this weekend expressing satisfaction over his progress since returning from the injury that prevented him from making the ill-starred tour of New Zealand.

The champion Antiguan fast bowler yesterday reported that he felt 'okay' after the Leeward Islands' opening Busta Cup match against Trinidad and Tobago in which he delivered 13 wicketless overs that cost him 22 runs.

'There hasn't been any effects, but I need to bowl a few more overs to be sure,' Ambrose told WeekendSport.

'I'm not too bad really. I wasn't too concerned about the wickets. I was more concerned about getting over this injury and to make sure there is no recurrence.

'I know once I'm bowling and I'm fit, I will take wickets,' said the holder of a staggering 369 Test scalps.

The 36-year-old Am-brose, a veteran of 88 Test matches since his international debut in 1989, sustained the injury to his right elbow during the Sharjah Champions Trophy last October and was forced to miss the Red Stripe Bowl on his return to the Caribbean.

A few weeks later, West Indies chief selector Mike Findlay said Ambrose was not considered for the New Zealand tour because the selection panel felt he could not return to full fitness and match readiness.

Asked if he reckoned he could make an impact in forthcoming international series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan, Ambrose was hesitant in making any predictions for the first of those engagements starting in March.

'I'm not looking that far ahead just yet. I want to be sure that I come through this Busta Cup series with flying colours,' he said.

'I have to convince myself that I am in tip-top shape before I look that far ahead.'

In looking to the second round Busta Cup match against Barbados starting today, Ambrose said a win was high on his list of priorities.

The match is expected to be a very competitive one between two teams which can each boast of four regional first-class titles in the 1990s.

On paper, the Leewards appear to be stronger.

Their only notable absentee is West Indies wicket-keeper Ridley Jacobs but the likes of captain Stuart Williams, Keith Arthurton, the unrelated Josephs, Dave and Sylvester, present Barbados with a formidable batting line-up at this level.