Windies need a coach, not a mentor: Simmons told Ambrose

Caribbean bowling legend says he was 'disappointed' by the abrupt replacement with Estwick

West Indies bowling legend Curtly Ambrose expressed his disappointment on Monday saying head coach Phil Simmons never gave him any indication that he was being replaced by a ‘more technical’ coach.

Ambrose, who was working with the West Indies team as a bowling consultant for the last three years, was replaced by Roddy Estwick on the weekend. The 52-year-old said that the news came as ‘a bit of a shock’ to him.

"I only learnt about it from head coach Phil Simmons on Wednesday [last week], and when he told me I said to him that I am very disappointed, because I never expected it, and I never saw it coming because he never gave me any indication he was going to let me go," said Ambrose as quoted in the Antigua Observer.

"So, it came as a bit of a shock basically, but I haven't decided which direction I am going to take just yet. I'll just pause and give it a little time to think about it and decide where I want to go after."

The former right-arm quickie’s recent assignment helped West Indies bring home the 2016 World T20 crown but despite his ‘fantastic’ job, Simmons brought Estwick as a replacement citing the latter as a more technical coach.

"I spoke to head coach Phil Simmons, and he told me that he wanted someone who is more technical to work with the fast bowlers," said Ambrose. "So, I said to him well, if you knew I was doing a poor job, then you should have told me. He said no, I did a fantastic job, because I brought a high level of discipline to the team, and I have motivated the guys quite a bit... but he wants somebody more technical, hence, he is going for Roderick Estwick."

The lanky legend continued that he has not held any malice against Simmons as he is the ‘boss’ and has the right to determine his coaching staff.

“I had high hopes for the tri-nation series and the Test series against India, because I have planned most of my stuff around those series. So, it was a bit of a shock, and it’s disappointing, but he’s the boss, and the head coach is the one who selects his crew, his coaching staff,” he said.

“I did wish him all the best and asked him to continue with the team and that we can get some positive results, because I am not going to hold him in malice or hold it against him…. Its’ just disappointing,” he added.

New bowling coach Estwick will join the Caribbean team on May 19 for the pre-season preparatory camp.