LONDON. Apr 25: Curtly Ambrose, the world's number one bowler, was at the centre of a mystery on Monday, when he failed to return from the Caribbean to his English county. Northamptonshire, reports AFP.

Ambrose, 30. was due to play for Northants against Middlesex In the Benson and Hedges Cup preliminary round at Lord's here Tuesday.

There were indications that the Antiguan wanted an extra break from cricket following his impressive 26-wicket performance in the 3-1 Test series victory against England.

Northants chief executive Steve Coverdale was at Gatwick Airport in southern England to meet Ambrose, but the paceman was not on the flight.

"A lot of work has been going on to make everything ready for Curtly and when I spoke to him two days ago. he gave me no indication that he wouldn't be arriving today," said Coverdale.

"But skipper Allan Lamb has now contacted him and the indications are that Curtly feels he wants to take an extra break from cricket. At the moment, we've no Idea how long ihat break might be.'