Stars turn out as Ambrose ties the knot

Just Married Photo © CricInfo

Former West Indies fast bowler, Curtly Elconn Linwall Ambrose, has started a new chapter of his life. Yesterday morning, the retired fast bowler married his long-time girlfriend Bridgette Benjamin during a simple, but elegant ceremony at the Spring Gardens, Moravian Church in Antigua's capital city of St John's.

An arch, which comprised cricket bats and balls, was formed in the couple's honour as they left the church. The couple have two daughters, Tanya and Chloe.

In attendance was Ambrose's long-time former West Indies teammate Courtney Walsh. Other former West Indies and Leeward Islands players and officials, including Winston and Kenneth Benjamin, were present. Several government and business officials were also at the ceremony.

Ambrose who retired from Test cricket after the West Indies' tour of England last year, represented the West Indies in 98 Tests and took 405 wickets. Ambrose and Walsh formed one of cricket's most feared and long-lasting attacks.

Ambrose is currently employed as a cricket coach within the Ministry of Sports, as well as being one of two Ambassadors-at-Large, the other being Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards.

The government of Antigua & Barbuda has indicated that it will confer special awards to both Ambrose and Walsh during the country's 21st independence celebrations in November, for the duo's outstanding contribution to West Indies cricket.