England v Ireland at Lord's, 24/7.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Looks a good scorecard. But reading these posts, England a bit lucky.

Looks like England have sorted an opener's slot and have a new number three. Well done to the selectors.

[sussexpob]

England in the lead.... partnership at 100.

[sussexpob]

The Leach edge flying past Wilson rather sums up Irelands day. Nothing is falling for them here. Need to bowl fuller, the odd ball is still seaming, and both players are willing to throw the bat at anything up there. Id be packing the off side and really throwing it in full, let them take on the odd half volley or one slightly on the up, eventually one will seam or swing away, and its a high risk shot.

Certainly not a fan of some of this shorter stuff thats ever creeping in.

[sussexpob]

Adair does get it full and swinging in, but that is going down leg. Roy really looks lost at sea when the ball comes back into him.....

[DiligentDefence]

Leach now has his highest 1st class score.

[Arthur Crabtree]

A killer when the nightwatcher scores runs.

Wonder when his spin partner Moeen scored as many.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Leach now has his highest 1st class score.

I wondered why he came in at 11 in the first innings. He seemed a better bet than Broad, though I don't know how Stone shapes up as a bat.

[sussexpob]

Roy gone... got the runs, but a scrappy end to a scrappy effort.

Leach currently on 85... Englands total first innings effort. Will he bring up a 100

[sussexpob]

Did Roy convincingly play a ball that came into him? That Thompson one just tickles the seam and comes in..... no answer

[Arthur Crabtree]

A failure here by Denly won't look good in the shadow of Leach's runs.

[sussexpob]

Leach into the 90s

[sussexpob]

Ireland have dropped him..... wow, that is going to hurt.

Nope... two balls later, goes straight to the same place, and he goes... 92, so close but yet so far. Great innings from the lad though.

Just tensed up after going to the 90s

[bigfluffylemon]

Ireland have dropped him..... wow, that is going to hurt.

But he goes a couple of deliveries later. Looks absolutely gutted, came to within two shots of the honours board.

He had a bit of luck, but also played some lovely strokes for his 92. Well done.

England only 60 ahead, and with a much longer tail than usual (given that it starts effectively with Moeen). Long way to go yet for a match-winning lead.

[sussexpob]

Denly does nothing.... game in the balance here

[sussexpob]

Bairstow cops a tragic pair....

Form has disappeared over a massive long term for Bairstow....

Time for Foakes