 His absence may have contributed to Northamptonshire's elimination in the preliminary stages of the Benson and Hedges Cup.At the time, members of the county were unhappy with Ambrose's performances for the team; the committee fined him, and he expressed contrition.During the remainder of the season, he bowled extremely effectively to take 77 first-class wickets, the most for the club in 18 years, at an average of 14.45 to top the national bowling averages.