Law for The Oval?

The Barmy Army weren’t responsible for the fire alarm going off in Australia’s hotel in Canterbury. The players, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, were briefly concerned it was revenge for the England squad being woken at 5am by warning sirens on the first morning of their horrific Headingley Test.

Some Fanatics, part of an Australian support group, claimed they flicked the switch in Leeds, although hotel staff said it was caused by a guest’s clothes being placed on a heater. In Canterbury a faulty smoke detector set off the alarms.

More bells were ringing with Stuart Law’s self-promotion for a spot in England’s team for The Oval. Law, who played one Test for Australia in 1995-96 and 54 ODIs, told the Australian he should be considered alongside Mark Ramprakash.

"They are talking about everyone else so I'm putting my hand up as well -- I'm available and ready to play for England next week," Law said, hopefully tongue in cheek. "I'm in awesome touch, I scored a terrific century in a game for Lashings today."