England vs Ireland only Test Day 2: Preview, predictions

England batted a second time – albeit for one over – at the end of a breathtaking twenty-wicket Day One at Lord’s. They were bowled out for 85 before lunch, in just 23.4 overs, their shortest ever first innings at home. They then bowled out Ireland for 207 just before stumps, but they still need to go a long way to take control.

With the new ball doing a bit, Tim Murtagh ripped through the English top order on a ground where he has played for Middlesex for years. Murtagh (5/13) found excellent support from Mark Adair (3/32), while Boyd Rankin (2/5) ensured the tail did not wag.

The World Cup champions were in for a rude shock after Murtagh had debutant Jason Roy caught behind. Roy failed with bat, as did England’s other World Cup heroes – Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, and Chris Woakes, the last three perishing for ducks.

England were reduced to 43/7 despite Joe Denly’s 23. At that point there was a serious chance of them getting bowled out for under 50, but Sam Curran and debutant Olly Stone helped them nearly double the score.

Ireland’s openers added 32 before both perished against Sam Curran (3/28). However, they raced to 127/2 by tea. However, Stuart Broad (3/60) and Stone (3/29) took out four quick wickets after Andy Balbirnie (55) and Paul Stirling (36) added 87 in just 89 balls for the third wicket. Kevin O’Brien (28*) then lifted them to 207.

Key players

Joe Root (England): He was in wonderful form during the World Cup, but this is a different format altogether, on a pitch of a different kind. In the absence of a solid top three, the onus will be on Root to weather the storm and push England towards a big score.

Tim Murtagh (Ireland): The hero of the first day, Murtagh is likely to find assistance with the new ball yet again today. He has more experience of bowling at Lord’s than anyone else playing in this match, something that may come handy for the second time in the Test.

Brief scores

England 85 (Joe Denly 23; Tim Murtagh 5/13, Mark Adair 3/32) and 0 for no loss trail Ireland 207 (Andy Balbirnie 55, Paul Stirling 36; Sam Curran 3/28, Olly Stone 3/29, Stuart Broad 3/60) by 122 runs.

Prediction

England to gnaw back into the match and the day to end with both teams on equal note.