Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones has given a new twist to the controversy over his 'terrorist' jibe against South African player Hashim Amla, saying the remark actually referred to the latter's teammate Nicky Boje.
Jones sparked off a controversy when he was heard saying, "the terrorist has got another wicket" while commentating during the Colombo Test between Sri Lanka and South Africa last month.
His comment, that came after Kumar Sangakkara was caught by Amla off left arm spinner Boje, was made during an ad-break but was heard by South African viewers who had uninterrupted telecast.
"In the long run, I wasn't even really referring to him (Amla)," Jones was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday.
"What was my comment? And who got the wicket? Amla got the catch, Nicky Boje was the bowler. Just listen to the comment: 'The terrorist has got a wicket.' Who got the wicket? I'll leave it up to you to work out who I was referring to."
Jones, who was immediately sacked by his employer Dubai-based Ten Sports, later also apologised to Amla.
{{/usCountry}}Jones, who was immediately sacked by his employer Dubai-based Ten Sports, later also apologised to Amla.
{{/usCountry}}The Aussie had said on Tuesday that he has been re-employed by two Indian TV networks and would be on air again during the World Cup in the Caribbean next year.
"In my humble opinion, the Muslim cricket community has accepted my apology for what was a silly off-the-cuff remark," he said.
"It was an ugly time, particularly for my kids. They copped a bit at school, I must admit. But it (the support) has been awesome, particularly from people in Pakistan and India and the subcontinent."