Sunil Ambris

WI
WI
Sunil Ambris

Player Bio

Sunil Ambris, a right-hand batsman hailing from St Vincent, has made a name for himself in the cricketing world with his unique style and determination. His Test career began in an unusual way when he was out hit-wicket off the very first ball he faced against New Zealand in December 2017. This incident, though rare, did not deter him from pursuing his passion for the game.

Ambris's entry into Test cricket was marked by challenges, including being dismissed in the same hit-wicket manner in his second Test and suffering a fractured left forearm. Despite a modest first-class record, he impressed the selectors with his 50-over form, scoring two centuries for West Indies A against Sri Lanka A. These achievements reflect his resilience and ability to adapt to different formats of the game.

His journey from a young cricketer with an average batting record to representing the West Indies on the international stage is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Sunil Ambris's story is not just about his cricketing skills but also about his never-give-up attitude, which has helped him overcome obstacles and continue to grow in the sport.

 Early Life and Entry into Cricket

Sunil Walford Ambris was born on March 23, 1993, in Saint Vincent, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. From a young age, his passion for cricket was evident, and his journey into the sport was marked by determination and talent.

Ambris's domestic career began with the Combined Campuses and Colleges in the 2012-13 Caribbean Twenty20. He played two matches against the Leeward Islands and Jamaica, showcasing his potential. He showed his cricket skills, first time during the 2013-14 Regional Four Day Competition, playing for the Windward Islands against Guyana. In his first innings, he scored an impressive 114 runs from 200 balls, earning the title of man of the match. He finished his first season with 468 runs from six matches, becoming the Windwards' leading run-scorer behind Devon Smith.

During the 2016-17, on March 17, Regional Four Day Competition, Ambris scored a double century for the Windward Islands against the Leeward Islands. His performance in the 2016-17 Regional Super50 was equally remarkable, as he became the top player scoring highest runs for the Windward Islands, scoring double the number of runs of any of his tea, with 423 in total.

Ambris's talent was not confined to domestic cricket. He represented the West Indies under-19s at the 2012 Under-19 World Cup in Australia, where he scored 91 from 43 balls against Papua New Guinea, including nine fours and seven sixes. His ODI debut came against England on September 29, 2017, where he scored an unbeaten 38 from 27 balls.

His early life and entry into cricket were marked by consistent performances and a natural flair for the game. Whether playing for his domestic team or representing the West Indies on the international stage, Ambris's dedication and skill have made him a standout player. 

 Rise in the International Arena

Sunil Ambris's rise in the international arena is a story of talent meeting opportunity. His Test debut came against New Zealand on December 1, 2017, a moment that would be etched in cricket history. Though his debut was marked by an unusual hit-wicket dismissal off the first ball, he became the first player to be disperse in hit-wicket twice in back-to-back Tests and the first to do so on Test debut. Despite these initial setbacks, Ambris's spirit remained unbroken.

In his second innings, he opened his account with a six, becoming only the sixth batsman in Test cricket to achieve this feat. His performances in the ODI format were equally promising. He made his ODI debut against England on September 29, 2017, scoring an unbeaten 38 from 27 balls, showcasing his aggressive playing style.

Ambris's international career was not without challenges. During the second Test against New Zealand, he retired hurt after fracturing his forearm. However, his resilience and determination saw him bounce back, earning a place in the West Indies' national cricket team for the 2019 Cricket World Cup after Andre Russell was ruled out due to injury.

 From his unique debut to his consistent performances across formats, Sunil Ambris's journey in international cricket is a story of growth, resilience, and an unyielding passion for the game. His contributions to the West Indies cricket team have not only solidified his place in the squad but have also inspired many aspiring cricketers in the Caribbean and beyond.

 Notable Performances and Achievements

Sunil Ambris's cricketing journey is adorned with several notable performances and achievements that have marked him as a player to watch. Here's a look at some of the highlights of his career:

Impressive Debut Season: In his first-class debut during the 2013-14 Regional Four Day Competition, Ambris made 114 runs from 200 balls, eventually being named man of the match. He finished the season as the Windwards' leading run-scorer behind Devon Smith.

Double Century: During the 2016–17 Regional Four Day Competition, Ambris scored a double century for the Windward Islands against the Leeward Islands, showcasing his ability to play long innings.

Top Run-Scorer in Regional Super50: In the 2016–17 Regional Super50, Ambris was the top run-scorer for the Windward Islands, scoring 423 runs in total, more than double the number of runs of any of his teammates.

ODI Debut: His ODI debut against England saw him scoring an unbeaten 38 from 27 balls, reflecting his aggressive playing style and ability to adapt to different formats.

Unique Test Debut: Though marked by an unusual hit-wicket dismissal, his Test debut against New Zealand made him the first player to be disbersed hit-wicket twice in consecutive Tests and the first to do so on Test debut.

World Cup Selection: Ambris's selection in the West Indies' national team for the 2019 Cricket World Cup after Andre Russell's injury showcased his importance to the team.

Reserve Player for England Series: In June 2020, Ambris was one of the reserve players selected in the West Indies' Test squad for their series against England, reflecting his continued relevance in the team's plans.

Sunil Ambris's achievements are not just about numbers and records; they reflect his growth as a cricketer, his adaptability, and his ability to perform under pressure. Whether it's his double century in domestic cricket or his unique place in Test history, Ambris's performances have added a new dimension to West Indies cricket. 

 Personal Insights into Ambris's Playing Style

Sunil Ambris's playing style is a blend of aggression, adaptability, and resilience. Here's an insight into what makes his approach to the game unique:

Aggressive Approach: Ambris is known for his aggressive batting, especially in limited-overs cricket. His ODI debut, where he scored an unbeaten 38 from 27 balls, is a testament to his ability to take the game to the opposition.

Adaptability: His adaptability across different formats is remarkable. Whether it's scoring a double century in a four-day competition or playing a quickfire innings in an ODI, Ambris has shown that he can adjust his game according to the situation.

Resilience: Perhaps one of the most defining aspects of Ambris's playing style is his resilience. His ability to bounce back from setbacks, such as the unusual hit-wicket dismissals or the fractured forearm, showcases a mental strength that complements his physical skills.

Technique and Flair: Ambris's technique allows him to play a wide range of shots. His flair adds an element of excitement to his game, making him an entertaining player to watch.

Team Player: His contributions are not limited to his individual performances. Ambris's playing style is aligned with the team's goals, and he often plays crucial innings that contribute to the team's success.

Sunil Ambris's playing style is a reflection of his personality – bold, adaptable, and resilient. His approach to the game is not just about scoring runs; it's about how he scores them and the impact he has on the match. His playing style resonates with the spirit of modern cricket, where aggression meets intelligence, and talent is complemented by mental fortitude.

Sunil Ambris's journey in the world of cricket is a compelling narrative of talent, hard work, resilience, and passion. From his early days in Saint Vincent to representing the West Indies on the international stage, his career has been marked by remarkable performances, unique achievements, challenges met with determination, and inspiring comebacks.

His playing style, characterized by aggression, adaptability, and a never-give-up attitude, has not only entertained cricket fans but also added a new dimension to West Indies cricket. Ambris's contributions go beyond the numbers; they reflect a commitment to excellence and a desire to leave a lasting impact on the game.

His story is not just an inspiring tale for aspiring cricketers; it's a lesson in perseverance, mental strength, and the pursuit of dreams. Sunil Ambris's legacy is still being written, but his impact on cricket, especially in the Caribbean, is undeniable. He stands as a symbol of what can be achieved with talent, hard work, and an unyielding belief in oneself.

 FAQs
When did Sunil Ambris make his Test debut?
Sunil Ambris made his Test debut on December 1, 2017, against New Zealand.
What is Sunil Ambris known for in his Test debut?
He is known for being the first player to be dismissed hit-wicket twice in consecutive Tests and the first to do so on Test debut.
Has Sunil Ambris scored a double century in domestic cricket?
Yes, he scored a double century for the Windward Islands against the Leeward Islands during the 2016–17 Regional Four Day Competition.
What is Sunil Ambris's playing style?
Ambris's playing style is characterized by aggression, adaptability, resilience, and a flair that makes him an exciting player to watch.
Was Sunil Ambris part of the West Indies' 2019 Cricket World Cup squad?
Yes, he was added to the West Indies' national team for the 2019 Cricket World Cup after Andre Russell was ruled out due to injury.