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The offspinner finally bagged a five-wicket haul on his home ground

Andrew McGlashan in Sydney05-Jan-2020It has taken a while for Nathan Lyon but he has finally got a five-wicket haul on his home ground. And by doing it against New Zealand, he has completed a set against every team he has faced.Four more wickets in the second innings will give him his most prolific home season (last summer he took 25 wickets across six Tests) while his average of 24.68 is his best since his first campaign in 2011-12. It was the first five-wicket haul for an Australia spinner at the SCG since Nathan Hauritz’s 5 for 53 against Pakistan in January 2010 at a ground where the average for spinners had been over 50 in the previous decade.On a slow surface that was taking turn, Lyon came to the fore as he defied a spilt thumb, sustained when he dropped one of two caught-and-bowled chances off Glenn Phillips, to finish with 5 for 68. The final rewards came against the tail, but he had been a threat throughout the day and claimed the first two wickets of the innings which took 49 overs to secure as New Zealand’s top order dug in.”It’s quite special to go up on the honours board and take five wickets at your home, in front of your family and friends, and to take five at one of your favourite venues from around the world,” he said. “To be honest with you, I split my thumb but I was more frustrated about dropping a pretty easy catch, in my eyes.”I pride myself on my fielding, especially the fielding off my own bowling. I know how hard it is to take Test wickets and when you’re dropping catches off your own bowling it doesn’t sit really well with you. So the thumb is fine. It is what it is. I’m more disappointed in my standards to be honest.”Nathan Lyon dropped a second return catch•Getty Images

The SCG pitch has not been dissimilar to the two surfaces produced for the Sheffield Shield this season – although not quite as slow and low as the one against Western Australia – but while it has made life tough for the quicks, Lyon has found enough from the rough to keep him interested.”I don’t mind if it’s slow if there’s a bit of bounce, obviously spin as well, and there’s starting to be some variable bounce,” he said. “I’m very lucky I’ve got big Mitch Starc running down the middle of it, which is quite nice of him. That’s one of the reasons I love playing with Starcy. It’s about me bowling my best ball over and over and over again, challenging these guys’ defence.”While it was a day of personal success, Lyon’s thoughts – like so many in Australia – remained with those battling the catastrophic bushfires around the country. Earlier in the match, the Australian bowlers joined the mass of sportspeople and organisations pledging donations to the relief fund with A$1000 for each wicket they take during this Test.”The true heroes in Australia right now are the firefighters and volunteers,” he said. “It’s such a small thing for us to donate $1000 a wicket. It puts cricket into perspective and it’s showing Australia’s true colours and how everyone rallies behind a country or people when they’re having a hard time and really getting behind them. I’m proud to be an Australian in hard times, and we’re getting around them.”

Chelsea's erratic strategy in the transfer market was always going to be a risky manoeuvre, especially given the Premier League's strict rules regarding FFP and PSR.

The club have spent over £1b on new players since the takeover by American businessman Todd Boehly, with the aim to close the gap created by the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in recent years.

Players such as Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto have both made a positive start to life at Stamford Bridge after their official arrival at the club during last summer's window.

Palmer in particular has impressed since his £40m move from champions Manchester City, with the attacker boasting a brilliant goal and assist tally in England's top flight this season.

The 21-year-old has registered 11 goals and eight assists in his 24 Premier League appearances so far this campaign, with Palmer deservedly receiving an England call-up during this international break.

However, despite the attacker's impact this season, there's another new Blues addition who's caught the eye, with his performances seeing a rapid increase in his market value.

Axel Disasi's stats for Chelsea

After joining Chelsea last summer, centre-back Axel Disasi wasted no time in making an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge, scoring on his debut in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

Since his debut on the 13th of August, the 26-year-old has only missed two games in the Premier League for Mauricio Pochettino's side, with the Frenchman a real prominent figure at the heart of the Argentinian's defence.

Disasi is currently on a run of 14 consecutive starts in the league, with the former Monaco man starting to settle into life at the club – with social media star Mark Goldbridge labelling the centre-back as "fantastic".

His best game in a Chelsea shirt was the 1-1 draw against Pep Guardiola's City side, where Disasi produced a magnificent performance which saw him get the better of Erling Haaland over 90 minutes.

The defender started alongside youngster Levi Colwill, with the Frenchman excelling with his tally of 16 clearances, the most of any Chelsea player in over eight years.

Minutes played

90

Clearances

16

Aerials won

4/4 (100%)

Blocked shots

3

Passes completed

26/32 (81%)

Although he scored an unfortunate own goal in the FA Cup tie against Leicester City just a couple of weeks ago, it's been the first real hiccup the defender has endured since his arrival.

Axel Disasi's market value in 2024

Just seven months after his transfer from Monaco, the defender's market value has skyrocketed, with Disasi now one of the most valuable members of Pochettino's squad.

The Blues forked out £38.5m for his signature, with the 26-year-old's market value now at a staggering £68.5m as per CIES Football Observatory – an increase of 78% since his signing.

His rapid rise has seen his value soar above Chelsea star Reece James, with the right-back trailing Disasi with market value sitting at just £25.7m because of his struggles with injury this campaign.

The brilliant Frenchman has proven to be a sensational signing in a period of below-par additions for the club. His fantastic performances are only the start of a successful career at Stamford Bridge, with his £38.5m fee now looking to be a potential bargain.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

The first two rounds have thrown up some mixed results for Australia’s Test incumbents and contenders

Alex Malcolm22-Oct-2019

Marcus Harris drives through cover•Getty Images

Who’s going wellMitchell Starc probably made the biggest statement this week. On a Drummoyne Oval surface that is typically batsmen-friendly he tore through Tasmania, taking 10 for 60 in 44.2 overs across the match. He bowled with serious pace after making some minor technical adjustments with New South Wales bowling coach Andre Adams and looks to be coming together nicely for Brisbane. The other quick who has put himself back in the mix is Jhye Richardson. He has bowled superbly for Western Australia taking nine wickets in three innings at an economy rate of under two. He is bowling as quickly, if not quicker than prior to his shoulder injury. On a batting front no one is hammering the door down. Shaun Marsh’s double hundred will inevitably spark the almost annual debate over his career while Tom Cooper and Nic Maddinson also cashed in with doubles on the flat Junction Oval pitch but are some way from the Test mix. Marnus Labuschagne has scores of 69, 52, 32 and 72 not out which on the surface doesn’t jump off the page, but given the difficulty of the batting conditions at the Gabba they have been impressive returns.Who’s doing enoughDavid Warner will be in Brisbane after an outstanding century on a difficult surface against Queensland at the Gabba. There will be dissenting voices claiming he has two other low scores but that is part and parcel of opening the batting in Shield cricket in October. Marcus Harris could claim to have done enough to retain his place with a hundred and a half century in three innings. The century will have an asterisk next to it, however, given it came at the Junction Oval where 12 wickets fell in four days. He was also dropped twice in the innings. Of the genuine contenders, Will Pucovski is doing enough to keep his name in the mix. Like Harris he has a century and a half century to his name on the same pitches. He has four Shield hundreds now in 13 matches at an average of 54.45. There will be a lot of public support for his inclusion. Tim Paine’s spot was never in jeopardy but he quietened any murmurs with his first Shield century in 13 years, on the same day Alex Carey produced a century in Melbourne. James Pattinson’s figures don’t leap out but he bowled some outstanding spells against South Australia and Western Australia without much luck. He deserves to be in contention to play in Brisbane. Michael Neser was part of the Ashes squad and has done his chances to debut in Australia no harm with 10 wickets in four innings, including 5 for 56 against South Australia. He’s doing enough to stay in the frame although conditions in Brisbane have certainly favoured the bowlers.Who needs to do moreYou could mount an argument Matthew Wade has done enough to be picked for Brisbane. Scores of 40, 20, and 40 suggest he’s still playing well but he knows there are no guarantees, despite two Ashes centuries. Usman Khawaja is under pressure. Scores of 1, 24, 2, and 0 have done nothing to push his case for a recall, although his failures in the last match against South Australia need deeper scrutiny from the selectors as he appeared to be the victim of not one but two questionable umpiring decisions. He has also batted in the toughest conditions in Australia, although Labuschagne’s success makes those mitigating circumstances harder to argue for. Travis Head made a painstaking and unconvincing 51 against Victoria but butchered a golden chance to make a monstrous century as Cooper did on a road at the Junction Oval. He followed that with a 25-ball duck and 12 against Queensland, falling to two loose shots. Cameron Bancroft’s form has dropped off quite significantly since his impressive performance in the Southampton practice match prior to the Ashes. He has scores of 30, 0, 10 and 6 not out so far this season and isn’t in the Test frame at this stage. Joe Burns was a man to watch but he probably hasn’t done enough to dispel whatever doubts that continue to surround him as a Test player, despite batting on some tough tracks. He has reached 20 in three of his four innings at the Gabba but his highest score is only 52. Peter Siddle, who played in Australia’s last Test, has been injured but did not set the world alight in his first game back against Western Australia.

Jurgen Klopp is seemingly enjoying life after Liverpool as the German has been spotted watching the tennis at the Mallorca Championships.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Klopp steps down as Liverpool manager
• German enjoying time away from game
• Spotted at Mallorca tennis tournament

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Klopp stepped away from his Liverpool managerial role in May, ending a momentous near nine-year spell at Anfield. The former Borussia Dortmund boss announced he was returning to his old club's ground to see Taylor Swift earlier this month and now he has been spotted at the ATP tour tennis event, the Mallorca Championships.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Klopp has left quite a legacy at Liverpool. He won the Champions League, the Premier League, a host of domestic cups, and, arguably, made the Reds one of the greatest clubs in the world again. The big question is, what does he plan on doing after his spell with the Merseyside outfit?

• Getty Images
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  The Stuttgart-born Klopp – who began his managerial career at Mainz before joining Dortmund – was in charge at Liverpool for 491 games and in that time they won 299 of them, drew 109, and lost 83. That gave him a winning percentage of 60.90.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Following Klopp's departure, former Feyenoord boss Arne Slot will take over the reins at Liverpool from the 2024-25 season. It remains to see what his predecessor will do next after a lengthy spell at the Reds.

Tottenham Hotspur will enjoy a sojourn away from competitive action this weekend with their Premier League opponents, Chelsea, attending to obligations in the Carabao Cup final.

It's a double-edged sword. Influential full-backs Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie both missed out last weekend as Ange Postecoglou's side slumped to defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers and with both stars likely to have missed out this weekend, a break isn't a bad thing.

That said, Spurs need fluency after fluctuating in results and performance, last securing successive victories in the league before Christmas Day, and after Manchester United's shock Old Trafford loss against Fulham, fifth-placed Tottenham could now create some breathing space.

Securing top four is the incentive but Postecoglou's project is definitely moving in the right direction, with some exciting improvements to the first team and some incredible development within the academy ranks.

Tottenham's development squad have so many talented youngsters pushing for prominence, and while the likes of Jamie Donley perch at the top, Tyrese Hall might just be the club's most precocious starlet.

Tyrese Hall could be a bigger talent than Jamie Donley

Hall might only be young but he has been riding the crest of a wave recently as he continues to sparkle brightest among many high-quality peers, having joined the club from London rivals Chelsea during his formative years.

Stepping up to thrive at U18 level across the 2021/22 campaign – while still a schoolboy – Hall is clearly destined for the top level and now he must just ply his trade industriously to continue the growth that has whipped relevant circles into a frenzied buzz.

This season, the 18-year-old has scored six goals and supplied five assists in all competitions, principally in the U18 Premier League but recently being promoted to the Premier League 2 and supplying two assists on his debut.

While Jamie Donley is the creme-de-la-creme of Wayne Burnett's development squad right now, having posted six goals and 12 assists from 17 matches this season, the 19-year-old might just find himself leapfrogged if Hall continues in his ascendancy.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Hall has received a glowing endorsement from Tottenham insider Superhotspur, who outlined his best attributes, writing that he is 'a player with great ability on the ball' and that he is 'capable of creating chances out of very little, and he with his consistently impressive weight and vision for a pass, he is also capable of making those all important forward passes.'

Such qualities spring a certain Phil Foden to mind; just imagine, for one moment, if Spurs have such a player on their hands.

Phil Foden's season in numbers

Manchester City are not quite firing on cylinders after winning the treble last season, but the Etihad side are still the best team on the continent and are competing for the biggest honours, with Foden's elite contributions among the most important.

With Kevin De Bruyne sat on the sidelines for large portions of the campaign, the 23-year-old has proved his worth and then some, unceasingly productive.

Stat

#

Matches

26

Starts

24

Goals

9

Assists

7

Pass completion

89%

Shots per game

2.8

Key passes per game

2.0

Dribbles per game

1.4

Ball recoveries per game

3.6

Duels won per game

4.0

Moreover, to illustrate this point, the mesmeric England international ranks among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 7% for assists, the top 19% for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for pass completion, the top 8% for passes attempted and the top 20% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

More succinctly: he is a world-class player. Praised for his "immense" quality by The Times' Henry Winter, Foden continues to thrive at the heart of one of the finest football teams across Europe in a generation, a dynamic dancer through the lanes, balletic in his gait and deadly in the final third.

Hall, while naturally a more defensive-heavy midfielder, has a similarly prodigious sheen to his play and he might just find himself earning comparisons as he continues to rise to the fore.

Manchester City eyeing Hall

On the topic of Man City, Guardiola's side have been reported to be big admirers of Hall by Football Transfers, who have revealed that scouts had been dispatched earlier in February to observe him in action.

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The Barnet-born teenager's seamless transition through the levels has suggested that he is of a standard that would not be out of place at the nest of City's system, and while a move might be forthcoming, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy must be steadfast in repelling the advances.

Spurs are currently at the Premier League 2's summit and are creating a mouth-watering youth fold of immense ability, and while Hall would – and should – be confident in his ability to follow the likes of Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis (and Foden) in Greater Manchester, opting to remain in London might prove to be the more prudent route in the end.

Hall's composed finish against the young Citizens – a clutch of players that the Manchester City powers-that-be wish for him to join – was sadly not enough to prevent a cup exit as the adversaries turned the game on its head.

But it's just another example of his stunning potential, and while Hall is safely ensconced in his fledgling phase as a U18 star (he need not worry about a promotion to the senior squad at this stage), there is no question that the teenager is among the finest midfielders of his age bracket and the vested interest of Manchester City can attest to that.

Spurs must fight fiercely to retain Hall's services, guiding the flickering flame of his development and ensuring that he is clad in Tottenham white when, if all goes to plan, he breaks into the senior set-up and catches the eye.

أعلن نادي ريال مدريد الإسباني تشكيل الفريق المختار من قبل المدرب كارلو أنشيلوتي، للمباراة أمام ليل الفرنسي في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويخوض ريال مدريد مباراته ضد ليل الفرنسي، في الجولة الثانية من دوري أبطال أوروبا، على ملعب “بيار موروا”.

وفاز ريال مدريد في الجولة الأولى على شتوتجارت بثلاثية لهدف، وليل تعرض للخسارة أمام سبورتينج لشبونة بهدفين دون رد.

وعاد أندري لونين أساسيًا لمركز حراسة المرمى في ظل إصابة البلجيكي تيبو كورتوا.

اقرأ أيضًا | إيقاف حكم بـ دوري أبطال أوروبا بعد تهديده بقتل لاعب عربي تشكيل ريال مدريد اليوم أمام ليل في دوري أبطال أوروبا

حراسة المرمى: لونين.

خط الدفاع: كارفاخال، إيدر ميليتاو، روديجر، ميندي.

خط الوسط: فيدي فالفيردي، كامافينجا، تشواميني.

خط الوسط الهجومي: جود بيلينجهام.

خط الهجوم: إندريك، فينيسيوس جونيور.

البدلاء: فران جارسيا، أردا جولر، لوكاس فاسكيز، فاييخو، جاكوبو، رودريجو، مودريتش، مبابي، سيرجيو ميستري، فران جونزاليس.

Rangers are believed to be showing an interest in signing a player dubbed a "human wrecking ball" this month, adding more firepower to their attack in the process.

Rangers transfer news

The Gers will surely want to conduct some important business during the January transfer window, as they can now strengthen their squad with players who Philippe Clement specifically wants to suit his style of play for the very first time.

It would be a surprise if nobody else came in after Fabio Silva, particularly because of the number of stories linking Rangers with reinforcements, with interest in Hearts star man Lawrence Shankland implying the Ibrox outfit would like more end product.

Liverpool youngster Owen Beck is also considered an option, with the left-back expected to head out on loan again after returning to Merseyside from a positive stint at Dundee earlier in the campaign. Nottingham Forest attacker Emmanuel Dennis is another player who has been thrown into the mix, with a move to Ibrox possible if he gets his wish.

Added firepower in the final third is so important in the Scottish Premiership title race, so bringing in someone who can make a difference in that area looks like a primary point of focus at Rangers this month.

Rangers interested in Joe Gelhardt

According to an update from The Daily Mail, Rangers are keen on signing Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United, but they aren't the only Scottish club showing an interest.

"Leeds striker Joe Gelhardt, meanwhile, has been attracting interest from Celtic and Rangers."

Gelhardt is exactly what Rangers should be looking for in the January window, with the young striker someone who has been highly-rated for some time now. Granted, the 21-year-old has struggled for regular playing time at Leeds so far this season, making only six appearances in the Championship, but Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has lauded him in the past, saying:

"He’s like a human wrecking ball. I like him; he’s really exciting. He’s fast; he’s aggressive; he gets on the ball, he takes people on. Once he gets into the box, he loves it; that’s where he can do most of his damage."

Although at his best as an out and out striker, the Leeds youngster is more of a playmaker up front than a prolific number nine, producing some stunning assists during his time in Yorkshire and being praised as a creative focal point by coaches at the club.

Indeed, Gelhardt has already registered 10 goal involvements (three goals and seven assists) in 49 appearances for Leeds, while at Under-21 level for the Whites, he netted an incredible 20 times in just 31 matches, adding another six assists to his name.

England Under-20s

1

2

England Under-18s

6

3

England Under-17s

13

6

England Under-16s

5

2

England Under-15s

4

2

The Englishman could feel that January is a good time to enjoy a fresh challenge, given his lack of minutes at Elland Road, and he has the trickery and eye for goal to make a real impact at Rangers.

The threat of Celtic signing Gelhardt instead should act as a warning, too, and where he ends up could ultimately have a big say on where the Scottish Premiership trophy ends up come the end of the season.

Just three points away from an Ipswich Town side who are stalling for the first time this season in the Championship, Southampton have a better chance than ever to move into the automatic promotion spots. It could quickly prove to be a vital month for Russell Martin, who will hope to see his side's excellent form continue to complete what would be a miraculous recovery in the race to go up.

Before they can even think about the top flight, however, the Saints must reportedly turn their attention to keeping hold of a key player this month amid an approach from a Premier League side.

Southampton transfer news

Southampton already suffered some big exits at St Mary's during the summer transfer window, with James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia completing moves to West Ham United and Chelsea respectively. And they would have been hoping for that to be it for frustrating departures, as the January transfer window swung open, but reports suggest that may not be the case.

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According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, Wolverhampton Wanderers have made an approach for Che Adams in a recent development. Adams is on course to leave Southampton for free upon the expiry of his contract this summer and the Saints are reportedly weighing up whether to sanction the Scot's exit, with Wolves preferring a loan move to a permanent deal this month.

Given that they are set to lose Adams for free this summer, however, a loan move would not benefit Southampton, who have one more chance to cash in on the striker this month. As the window progresses, the forward could certainly be one to keep an eye on.

Promotion worth more than Adams fee

Whilst Adams' goals total of just seven in 24 appearances in all competitions this season is hardly a number that sets the world alight, the Scotland international's experience can still provide Martin's side with a vital boost.

And if he can find his best form at the business end of the campaign, then Southampton will have themselves a striker capable of starring at the highest level. Of course, it will be tempting to cash in this month, but the Saints would be wise to hold off for the sake of leapfrogging Ipswich in the race to go up, which would even make losing the striker for free bearable.

Adams has earned plenty of praise over the years, including from fellow Scot Ally McCoist, who has heaped praise on his compatriot: "First and foremost, we now have a striker who is a first pick every week for a very good team in the English Premier League. It’s been a long time since a Scotland manager has had that luxury.

"Adams has started his international career really positively and has scored in the last two games against Moldova and Denmark. Apart from that, his general play has been terrific. But take it from me, as a striker you want to be hitting the back of the net and those goals will have done him the world of good."

Wolves' early business in the January transfer window has left Gary O'Neil with a clear area of need that must be addressed before the deadline at the start of February. Two strikers have left Molineux on loan, with Sasa Kalajdzic joining Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt and Fabio Silva heading north of the border to sign for Rangers.

You couldn't really describe either of the duo as key players – they started just four Premier League games between them, and that's why they were both made available – but what they did offer O'Neil was depth, and now he must replenish his centre-forward ranks. Fortunately for Wolves fans, it looks like the club are hard at work at finding a replacement.

Wolves battle Palace and Arsenal for Mayoral

According to TEAMtalk, Wolves are interested in Getafe striker Borja Mayoral. They've been keeping "close tabs" on him and could make an offer this month to furnish O'Neil with the "new focal point" he desires. It's also noted that Mayoral shares the same agent as Wolves defender Hugo Bueno, and the Midlands outfit may be able to capitalise on that pre-existing relationship if they decide to move forward with a deal.

They're not the only Premier League side in the race, though. Crystal Palace have also been watching him, and while Arsenal are admirers too, it's thought to be "unlikely" that he joins Mikel Arteta's title-chasers this month. Mayoral is apparently valued at £20m, with Getafe sticking to their financial model of selling players for a considerable profit. The Spaniard only cost them around £8.5m when he joined from Real Madrid in 2022.

Clinical Mayoral can combine with Wolves frontline

A product of Los Blancos' youth academy, Mayoral had loan spells with Wolfsburg, Levante and Roma before he eventually settled with Getafe. He's been a big hit for the La Liga club, scoring 29 goals in 78 games, including an impressive 14 in 22 this season.

Journalist Zach Lowy has described his form this term as "red-hot", while transfer insider Dean Jones has seen enough to bill him a "goal machine". That moniker is justified when you consider that only Real's Jude Bellingham (13) has out-scored him in La Liga this season, with Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann (11) and Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski (eight) among those lagging behind his tally of 12.

He's not just up there in Spain either – he's also eighth in the overall leaderboard for Europe's big five leagues, edging out Wolves' primary marksman Hwang (10).

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It should be noted that Mayoral has buttressed his tally with four penalties, but it's not as if he's had an easy ride. He's actually out-performed his xG by 3.3 this season, which makes him the fourth-most clinical player in his league.

And to increase his appeal to O'Neil even further, there's more to his game than just goals. He ranks between the 70th and 83rd percentile, set against fellow forwards in comparable leagues, for passes attempted per 90 (24.93), pass completion (76.1%) and progressive passes per 90 (2.73), which shows his propensity for dropping deep to link-up with teammates. For £20m, the 26-year-old could be a steal.

Batsman recalled to continue innings despite having left field of play following apparent dismissal

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Feb-2019

Ben Stokes returns to the crease after his no-ball dismissal•Getty Images

Ben Stokes benefitted from a huge slice of good fortune – as well as a recent rewrite of the Laws of Cricket – as his counterattacking half-century on the opening day of the St Lucia Test was allowed to continue after he had left the field of play following his apparent dismissal by Alzarri Joseph.Stokes, on 52 at the time, had left the field aghast in the 70th over after pulling a short ball from Joseph straight back to the bowler, who checked himself well in his followthrough to cling onto a fast-travelling chance.However, replays on the big screen soon alerted both the crowd and the umpires to the possibility that Joseph had overstepped.That in itself is nothing new – this was, according to Sky Sports, the 18th dismissal that West Indies alone had had a wicket overturned due to a no-ball since January 2017.Unusally, however, Stokes had already crossed the boundary rope and climbed the steps into the pavilion. He had been replaced on the field by England’s No. 7 Jonny Bairstow when the onfield umpire, Rod Tucker signalled the no-ball, following confirmation from Chris Gaffaney in the third umpire’s chair.Until recently, Stokes’ departure from the field of play would have signalled the end of the matter. However, he was the beneficiary of MCC’s decision, in April 2017, to define Law 31.7, which governs the status of batsmen “leaving the wicket under a misapprehension”.The new code, which came into force in October 2017, includes an additional clause to reflect the ubiquity of televised replays in major matches.The law now reads: “An umpire shall intervene if satisfied that a batsman, not having been given out, has left the wicket under a misapprehension of being out. The umpire intervening shall call and signal Dead ball to prevent any further action by the fielding side and shall recall the batsman.”A batsman may be recalled at any time up to the instant when the ball comes into play for the next delivery, unless it is the final wicket of the innings, in which case it should be up to the instant when the umpires leave the field.”Stokes finished the day on 62 not out, as he and his fifth-wicket partner, Jos Buttler, batted through to the close without further alarm in their stand of 124.”Thank God for technology,” said Stokes at the close of play. “‘It’s a first for me and it’s probably something they need to get control of. In international cricket you shouldn’t be walking off, getting into the changing rooms, and then back out there two minutes later.”It’s a good job I didn’t take my pants off. It was just a bizarre bit of cricket all round.”I tried to get myself back in that same frame of mind I was when me and Jos were going well out there,” he added. “There was a lot of cheering going on so I had to blank that out and start again.”