England vs Ireland only Test: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

England will host Ireland for the first time, in the third Test in the latter’s one-year-old history in the format, in a four-day match at Lord’s from July 24. Fresh from their successful World Cup triumph, England will want to continue the winning momentum into next month’s Ashes, while Ireland will want to leave an indelible mark at the Home of Cricket.

England have included three uncapped men for the Test. Two of them, Lewis Gregory and Olly Stone, have been selected after their excellent show in the ongoing domestic season. Jason Roy, on the other hand, may plug the hole at the top to end their long search for an opener.

England have also rested Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Adil Rashid, while delaying Jofra Archer’s Test debut till at least The Ashes. Nevertheless, after several months of rest, Stuart Broad will be raring to have a go at the Irish top order – as will James Anderson, provided his torn calf muscle heals in time.

Ireland, on the other hand, have left out George Dockrell, among others, bringing in Mark Adair, Gary Wilson, and Craig Young. Their strength lies in new-ball bowling, and if they win the toss and the conditions assist, who knows?

Head to head

This will be the first Test between the two sides. England lead 8-1 in ODIs, while the only T20I between the sides has been washed out.

Key players

Jason Roy (England): Despite trying out numerous options, England have struggled to find one, let alone two, Test openers. Given the kind of form he was in the World Cup, Roy may turn out to be the one. He has better footwork than is usually perceived, and has the ability to take the match away from the opposition in a matter of an hour.

Boyd Rankin (Ireland): Even on normal wickets, batsmen find Rankin tough to handle; on the Lord’s slope he may turn out to be more than a handful. His long experience in the County Championship – he had also played Tests for England – will also come in handy.

Likely XIs

England: Jason Roy, Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Lewis Gregory, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson (if fit, otherwise Olly Stone).

Ireland: William Porterfield (c), Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie, James McCollum, Kevin O’Brien, Gary Wilson (wk), Stuart Thompson, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Tim Murtagh, Boyd Rankin.

Prediction

England to win comfortably.