BCB secures sponsorship from Dr Frank Denbow for fast bowling clinic with the legendary Sir Curtly Ambrose

The proactive and visionary Berbice Cricket Board continues to break new ground as it strives to develop the game in the Ancient County to another level over the next two years. The Board, under the leadership of Hilbert Foster, has secured sponsorship from overseas- based Guyanese medical doctor Frank Denbow for a proposed fast bowling clinic in the county in the new year.

Foster, who has spearheaded a major resuscitation of Berbice Cricket since his election in 2018, has said the BCB would be organising a series of cricketing clinics in 2022 as it strives to make sure that every emerging talent is given every opportunity to develop. With this in mind, during 2022, the board would be hosting at least twelve major clinics to cater for every aspect of the game, including fast bowling, off-spin, leg-spin, left-arm orthodox, wicket-keeping, batting, fielding, physical fitness, and captaincy.
To achieve this objective, the BCB intends to use not only its own coaching staff, but former and current Test players who are considered positive role models. The BCB President has said that Dr Denbow contacted him about three months ago to inform him that he was very impressed with the raw talent of West Indies under-19 player Isai Thorne, and would be willing to sponsor a fast-bowling clinic if the board was able to obtain the services of legendary fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose.
The BCB President, who is also a Director of Cricket West Indies, has commenced discussion with Sir Curtly Ambrose, who has indicated that he is available to come after the Under-19 World Cup, where he is the bowling coach, and the England/West Indies series, where he is expected to serve as a cricket commentator.
Foster expects the clinic to be held in late March or early April. The sponsorship is worth $1.3M, and will cover the cost of a stipend for Ambrose, accommodation, local transportation, airline ticket, security, and meals for a four-day visit.
The packed schedule would include three four-hour clinics, a welcome cocktail, question-and-answer segment with youths, an award presentation, and farewell ceremony. A trip to the Upper Corentyne area is also being planned.
Foster has expressed gratitude to Dr Denbow for his support, and noted that the generous doctor donated to the Demerara Cricket Club and Queen’s College during a recent visit to Guyana. Berbice, he noted, is known mostly for its spinners, but this investment would allow more fast bowlers to emerge and follow in the footsteps of players like John Trim, Romario Shepherd, Leslaine Lambert, Ray Joseph and Kevin Darlington.
The BCB President also disclosed that promising fast bowlers from the other counties would be invited to attend the sessions, as the objective is to assist Guyana Cricket. The board would also expand hosting of its social skill seminars across the county to go along with the clinics under the developmental programme.
Sir Curtly Ambrose is widely rated as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket, taking 405 wickets in 98 Test matches at an average of 21.00, and 225 wickets from 176 ODI matches at an average 24.10.
He produced one of the greatest fast bowling spells versus Australia in 1993 when he took seven wickets for one run at the famous Perth Ground.