Ashes 2021-22: Ben Stokes bowls 4 consecutive No-balls, but 3 go undetected

Ben Stokes was involved in a no-ball bowling spree in the 1st Ashes Test match between Australia and England. Off the 4th delivery of his first over, Stokes cleaned up David Warner, but replays showed that he had overstepped.

But then, the matter does not end there. It has now transpired that Stokes had overstepped in the first 4 balls of his very first over upon his return to international cricket. The footage of the video has come out, and it clearly shows Stokes overstepping. You can see the video of the same below.

Each of Ben Stokes' first four deliveries to David Warner was a no-ball 👀@copes9 | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/kcyNrYHSYr

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 9, 2021

When should the third umpire signal a No-ball?

Now, let us turn to the rulebook that is in place for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). The rules state that the third umpire will review a bowler’s front foot landing and if the bowler has overstepped, this will be intimated to the on-field umpire, who will signal the No-ball.

“The third umpire shall review television replays of the bowler’s front foot landing and, if he/she is satisfied that any of these three conditions have not been met, he/she shall immediately advise the bowler’s end umpire who shall in turn immediately call and signal No-ball,” state the rules.

England skipper Joe Root admitted that Stokes overstepping is frustrating for the England side. “Slightly frustrating but we can’t let that get to us,” said Root.

Also Simon Taufel, one of the best umpires in the history of the sport opined that every ball bowled by the bowler needs to be checked. “They are supposed to be checking every ball. I really can’t explain it,” said Taufel.

Australia are on top against the England side in the 1st Test. The Aussie scorecard currently reads 128/1, and they trial the England side by just 19 runs, with 9 wickets still in the kitty. Marcus Harris was the first and only wicket to fall for Australia. The left-hander departed after contributing just 3 runs.