England vs Ireland LIVE: Test cricket score and updates as Broad ...
Preparation for the Ashes begins as Jonny Bairstow returns to the England team
'Ashes will continue to capture world's imagination' - Stokes
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England kick off the summer with a one-off four-day test match against Ireland at Lord’s that sees old faces return to the team, in the form of Jonny Bairstow, and new ones making their debuts, Josh Tongue has been given the nod to start ahead of Chris Woakes.
For Ben Stokes’ team this match will serve primarily as a warm-up for the Ashes later this summer but for Ireland it is another opportunity to showcase their skills in the longest format of the game. Who can forget the only previous test match between these two nations?
Back in 2019 England may have won by 143 runs but Ireland’s display on the first day, skittling the hosts for just 85, was a statement of intent that they could compete at this level.
This match promises to be a different affair. Ben Stokes’ side are more aggressive in nature and like impose themselves on the opposition. They have not played test cricket since February and will hope to get back into their rhythm ahead of the Ashes later this month.
Follow all the action from Day One at Lord’s as England host Ireland:
150 up for England! Ollie Pope guides the ball down to third man and races back for two runs to bring up the 150 for England in just 24.2 overs.
Mike Jones1 June 2023 18:30
More runs but nothing extravagant from England. Pope and Duckett milk Hume away to cut the lead to 23 and leave England on the verge of 150.
There’ll be one more over before the end of the day’s play. Curtis Campher will bowl it.
Mike Jones1 June 2023 18:28
Ben Duckett works Curtis Campher away for three. Campher then pins Pope to the crease and strikes him on the thigh pad.
There’s a quick debate about whether to send the appeal upstairs after the umpire says not out but it’s quickly shut down with everyone agreeing that the ball struck Pope too high.
Pope collects a couple to keep the runs ticking over.
Mike Jones1 June 2023 18:24
England have been batting for 22 overs now and are rapidly closing in on Ireland’s first innings total. It’s been an almost perfect day for Ben Stokes’ team who won the toss, skittled Ireland for less than 200 and are now racking up the runs.
Mike Jones1 June 2023 18:21
Test cricket is often criticised as boring, but it is not the word that comes to mind when England have been batting over the last 12 months.
They have truly torn into this inexperienced Ireland bowling attack with complete dominance and fluidity.
While Crawley escaped some scares before he departed tamely, Ollie Pope and Duckett have offered Ireland nothing, but seem to have found every gap in the field.
The notion that England could finish this day level looked improbable given that they only started batting at 4.40pm, but with 10 overs left to get 33 runs it looks like they will finish the day far ahead of Ireland’s 172.
Sonia Twigg1 June 2023 18:16
Curtis Campher is introduced by Andy Balbirnie. He bowls gentle outswingers in the low 80mph.
Ben Duckett tucks him into the legside for one before Ollie Pope spanks a full delivery over to the cover boundary.
Campher grimaces as his final delivery is a full toss out wide. Pope says thank you and whacks this one to the ropes too. The hosts are flying and trail by just 33.
Mike Jones1 June 2023 18:16
Ben Duckett’s early onslaught seems like a thing of the past as he decides to tick over the strike. Ollie Pope takes Mark Adair for four runs with a guided shot down to third man.
Pope ends the over with a controlled pull to square for four more. England’s No. 3 looks in good touch.
Ireland’s lead is under 50 now with England having nine wickets in hand.
Mike Jones1 June 2023 18:11
Ollie Pope shuffles across to the offside before flicking Fionn Hand into midwicket for two. It’s good running from the English batters as Pope turns the ball squarer to pick up another couple.
Ireland just can’t get a lid on the scoring. That’s not just their issue, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan have all struggled to reign England in when they’ve got going.
Pope’s first boundary comes with a drive through cover. He leans into the shot and picks out the gap.
Mike Jones1 June 2023 18:06
Mark Adair responds to that wicket with his best over yet. He’s been expensive this evening but sends a maiden down to Ben Duckett as Ireland look to bring the run rate down.
Mike Jones1 June 2023 18:02
England’s newly minted test match vice-captain comes in at No. 3 as Ollie Pope strides to the crease.
There’s an opportunity for Ireland to sneak in a couple more wickets and if they can get Ben Duckett out now it’ll increase the pressure on England.
Mike Jones1 June 2023 17:59
