England vs Ireland only Test Day 3: Preview, predictions

A 45-run ninth-wicket stand between Sam Curran and Stuart Broad, scored off only 37 balls, brought England back into the Lord’s Test against Ireland. England have now stretched their lead to 181 with a wicket in hand, and on this pitch, that may turn out to be enough.

The top five Irishmen had batted well in the first innings before they went into an inexplicable shell and caved in. Indeed, their last six men got a mere 37 between them. That needs to be sorted out if Ireland want to create history here.

Night-watchman Jack Leach (92) and debutant Jason Roy (72) added 145 for the second wicket earlier in the day. But just when it seemed England would run away with the match, the Irish seamers rose to the challenge. They bowled an impeccable line and length, and the slip catching was fantastic.

From 171/1 England were left reeling at 248/8 against Mark Adair (3/66), Stuart Thompson (2/44), Boyd Rankin (2/86), and Tim Murtagh (1/52). Curran and Broad threw their bat around before the former perished to a slog. Broad, however, is still out there.

Key players

Stuart Broad (England): With 3/60, Broad had started the Ireland collapse in the first innings, going past Dale Steyn’s tally in the process. He will have to spearhead the attack again. Before that, however, the onus will be on him to take the target past 200.

William Porterfield (Ireland): It is time for the Ireland captain to play a trademark resolute innings at the top and become the anchor around whom the strokeplayers will explode. If Ireland pull this off – the Test is likely to get over today – Porterfield will etch his name in history.

Brief scores

England 85 (Joe Denly 23; Tim Murtagh 5/13, Mark Adair 3/32) and 303/9 (Jack Leach 92, Jason Roy 72; Mark Adair 3/66) lead Ireland 207 (Andy Balbirnie 55, Paul Stirling 36; Sam Curran 3/28, Olly Stone 3/29, Stuart Broad 3/60) by 181 runs.

Prediction

England to win despite a dogged Ireland fight.