LOOK OUT FOR MORE MANKADS, SAYS ROOT

JOE ROOT warned his England team-mates to be on their guard against the prospect of ‘Mankad’ dismissals at this summer’s World Cup. ‘I think you know some people might be looking to do that now,’ said Root, following the controversial removal of Jos Buttler by Ravichandran Ashwin in an Indian Premier League match earlier this week. ‘Umpires being really clear on what is out and what is not out is going to be crucial,’ added Root (below). ‘Making sure everyone is on the same page with it so that there’s no inconsistencies is going to be really important and having the clarity there for everyone playing the game. ‘I know it’s not a straightforward rule, but as much as possible, there’s a way of working out what is out and what is not.’ The incident in the match between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab has received a mixed reaction but led the MCC, who govern cricket’s regulations, to deem it ‘against the spirit of the game’ despite it being within its laws. At the time Ashwin was expected to deliver the ball, Buttler was still in his ground. Root, speaking at Yorkshire’s media day, added: ‘I think it’s a good warning now and I’m glad it’s not happened to us in the World Cup final, for example, or a World Cup game.’ Meanwhile, Ben Stokes signed a contract extension with Durham that keeps him at Chester-le-Street until the end of the 2021 season.