Curtly Ambrose backs West Indies’ Marlon Samuels’ salute to Ben Stokes

After the Durham all-rounder holed out for eight, he passed Samuels, who clutched his hat to his chest and raised a hand to his temple. Stokes was decidedly unamused but Ambrose was behind his man.

“There’s nothing wrong with a little bantering. This is international cricket. As long as it doesn’t go over the top, I’m fine with it,” he said. “I think it’s more friendly than anything else. He gave a salute. Is that a sign of respect? I don’t know but I’m hoping so.

“That’s something that we don’t really preach. We always make sure that we tell the guys to keep it clean and keep it within a certain range and don’t go over the top.

“International cricket is hard and they must find ways to relax themselves, and smiling is one of those things. As much as we’re working hard and want to win, you must have some fun doing it. You’ve got to enjoy what you are doing.”