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

[bigfluffylemon]

And surprise surprise, Broad is off target.

[Durhamfootman]

85?

*modded* me!

WC hangover?

[backfootpunch]

85?

*modded* me!

WC hangover?

Nah they are just useless

Hazlewood, starc and Cummins will be kicking their lips

[Alviro Patterson]

85?

*modded* me!

WC hangover?

10 day turnover time, another rubbish wicket, Roy, Bairstow and Moeen not played any red ball cricket this summer.

Like Australia are going to field sub 75mph bowlers in The Ashes or get 9 successive overs from Starc or Cummins (maybe Hazlewood).

This test match is a pointless exercise. I don't see how thrashing Ireland or succumbing to Division 2 standard bowling attacks is preparation for The Ashes?

[sussexpob]

My god a wicket

[andy]

Absolutely *modded*

[sussexpob]

Curran strikes again...

[andy]

If he plays he needs to take the new ball IMO

[alfie]

Extraordinary day...

Thought England were taking this match a bit too lightly by the selection. Didn't expect 85 all out though

The 5 World Cup players made seven runs between them. That's not exactly riding the wave , is it ? Maybe should have given them all another week off.

Good toss to lose for Ireland. Conditions much easier for batting this afternoon...and they've played much more carefully than England. Will fancy this if they can get 250 plus.

Sam Curran has made some inroads , at least...even if he should nearly be embarrassed to claim the first one with that dreadful long hop... And Broad bowling quite well. But need a couple more wickets soonish if they want to get back into this game.

[sussexpob]

Ireland look to have a long tail. And the pitch if playing to form will settle down eventually.... so England can probably afford to give away 100 runs, but wont want to do much more than that.

[sussexpob]

Dont need that though... Broad finds the edge, Bairstow watches it fly inbetween him and Root.... both left it to the other, and a wicket is lost.

[alfie]

Broad unlucky then. First slip standing way too wide , I think. England not getting much right today.

Ireland may have a long tail ; but they have to get at it. I agree England could handle a hundred ...probably a bit more , even. But if Ireland can push the lead over 170 you'd think a Very Big Upset is on the way...
They'd be only the second team ever to win their first Test against England

Leach into the attack. Chance for him to push an Ashes claim ,perhaps..

[backfootpunch]

Dont need that though... Broad finds the edge, Bairstow watches it fly inbetween him and Root.... both left it to the other, and a wicket is lost.

Sums up the day really

[Alviro Patterson]

Broad must be the unluckiest bowler in test cricket when it comes to the slip cordon not taking their catches

[sussexpob]

Broad must be the unluckiest bowler in test cricket when it comes to the slip cordon not taking their catches

Root shelled one about 2 seconds after you posted this....