The move backfired spectacularly as the fired-up West Indian tore through Australia. The incident occurred in the first of two finals to decide a tri-series, also involving Pakistan. Chasing 240 to win, Jones walked in at No.3 with Ambrose having taken the first wicket to fall, and soon sparked a furious reaction from the towering quick when he requested, via the umpire, that he remove his white wristbands while bowling with the white new ball.

“It was done through sheer desperation. I felt I had to do anything to keep my spot. It’s funny now but it wasn’t back then. I was trying to save my career and people forget that. I was thinking that if Damien Martyn comes into the team and makes 50 or so, then I’m never going to get picked again. Facing four of the fastest bowlers in history with a busted thumb that had been operated on just four days earlier was definitely not funny.”

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