The 6ft 8ins Antiguan begins the final series of his 12-year international career having already notified the world of his intention to quit after the final Test at The Oval in August.
He needs just 12 more wickets to become only the fourth player to reach 400 Test victims and another 21 in this five-match series will confirm him as the leading wicket-taker against England, eclipsing Dennis Lillee's 167.
But whether he achieves those goals or not over the next three months, Ambrose will not be shaken from his belief that his time has come and it is an opportune moment to step aside and allow the talent of youngsters like Corey Collymore and Franklyn Rose to blossom.
Ambrose said: "A man should always know his limitations. I've been in the West Indies team for 12 years and I think it's time to leave.
"The younger players are now ready to step up. Most of them have been around for two or three years now and they are coming along quite well - I know they will take over when I'm gone.
