The Gyuto Monks of Tibet bless the playing field at Lord's ahead of the Ashes

The Gyuto Monks of Tibet with the Dalai Lama

Buddhist monks have put a new spin on sporting chants after blessing the playing field at Lord's ahead of the Ashes.

The Gyuto Monks of Tibet performed a Mahakala chant to protect the surface before England and Australia meet at the venue.

The group performed on another famous field just days ago when they appeared at the Glastonbury festival on their first UK visit for 40 years.

The monks originally hail from Tibet but live in exile in Dharamsala in northern India - alongside their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama - where they often play cricket themselves.

They are to release a new album, called Chants: The Spirit Of Tibet, on Monday after landing a global record deal with Universal Music. It was recorded by producer Youth, who has worked with Sir Paul McCartney, U2 and Crowded House as well as playing bass in post-punk band Killing Joke.

PA