Ambrose tells WI bowlers to keep it simple on 'unresponsive pitches'

Antigua, Apr 6 (UNI) Concerned over the insipid showing of the Brian Lara-led West Indian team in the Super Eight stage of the ongoing World Cup, a worried Curtly Ambrose has suggested the bowlers to stick to the basics on 'unresponsive pitches'.

The tall Antiguan bowler asked the bowlers to show more professionalism and not try ''too many things''.

''The pitches nowadays aren't really conducive for fast bowling and it can be a big turn off,'' the former fast bowler told CMC CricketPlus.

''But I would say to the guys, just try and be professional enough, forget about the pitch and go out there and do the best that you can. Just keep it simple.

''Don't do too many things and once you can bowl a proper line and length consistently, you will get wickets and will be successful,'' he said.

An emotional Ambrose expressed his disappointment with the team since the end of the first round after they won all of their Group D matches in Jamaica.

''I can't say that I am a happy man at the moment because we are not doing too well and as a West Indian and patriot, I can't stand losing,'' he said.

Since the Super 8s started, West Indies have lost their first three matches against Australia (by 103 runs), New Zealand (by seven wickets) - both at the new Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and against Sri Lanka by 113 runs at another new venue, The Guyana National Stadium at Providence on Sunday.

Now the home team must win their other three matches against South Africa (April 10), Bangladesh (April 19) and England (April 21) - to have any slim chance of reaching the semi-finals.

UNI