England vs Ireland: England collapse for 85 to put visitors in control at Lord's
The two meet for the first time in a Test at Lord's
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England's World Cup honeymoon was gatecrashed in sensational fashion as Ireland skittled their hosts for a calamitous 85 before taking an 122-run first innings' lead at Lord's.
Just 10 days after their greatest achievement in one-day cricket, England were back at the scene of the triumph to face their neighbours for the first time in the Test arena, an occasion that immediately brought them crashing down to earth. Tim Murtagh, the 37-year-old Middlesex seamer who has spent a dozen years honing his craft at the home of cricket, led the Irish charge with a stunning return of five for 13 while Mark Adair and one-time England bowler Boyd Rankin shared the remaining scalps.
Andrew Balbirnie then passed 50 in response before debutant Olly Stone and Sam Curran took three wickets apiece to eventually dismiss the visitors for 207 on a day where 20 wickets fell.
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load
22.3 Ireland 69/2 Andrew Balbirnie 14 Paul Stirling 16
And in a surprising turn of events...he does it again. Two this time.
Pressure on Leach here, although you imagine Root will just want wickets.
23 Ireland 70/2 Andrew Balbirnie 14 Paul Stirling 17
Seven from the over.
23.1 Ireland 73/2 Andrew Balbirnie 14 Paul Stirling 18
Oh you are joking! It's like they are trolling Broad on purpose as Root drops on at first slip. Deary me.
Broad can't believe this.
24 Ireland 79/2 Andrew Balbirnie 19 Paul Stirling 18
Needed: opening batters, settled bowlers and now a new slip cordon.
Balbirnie produces a picture-perfect cover drive across the outfit and away for four to conclude a miserable over for Broad.
24.2 Ireland 83/2 Andrew Balbirnie 19 Paul Stirling 23
Jack Leach comes back in and is viciously hit away by Stirling for four, straight back down the ground.
25 Ireland 79/2 Andrew Balbirnie 19 Paul Stirling 23
It's looking very dry out there and Leach just got a little bit of turn towards the end of his recent over.
25 Ireland 79/2 Andrew Balbirnie 19 Paul Stirling 23
Stuart Broad is back in the attack and has conceded just 21 runs from his 10 overs, which could easily look like 2/21 had it been for slightly better fielding.
26 Ireland 89/2 Andrew Balbirnie 23 Paul Stirling 25
Shot. Broad offers Balbirnie a bit of width and he takes full advantage of it with a nice drive for four.
Ireland take the lead!
26.4 Ireland 96/2 Andrew Balbirnie 28 Paul Stirling 27
Leach begins his third over with his biggest appeal for LBW, albeit a very hopeful shout, after hitting Stirling pad.
Balbirnie then sweeps the ball away for four as this partnership reaches 50 off 47 balls.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments