England entered day three at Lord’s with a comprehensive win over Ireland. After knocking out Ireland by 172 in the first half, England resumed running yesterday. On a docile throw and against an apparently average bowling alley, Ollie Pope scored a stunning double of the century, his first in test cricket and the fastest goal at Lord’s. . Since moving into third place, Pope’s average has been around 50. He’s been helped by Ben Duckett, who nearly hit two doubles on the day, scoring 182.
England may have played continuously, but Ben Stokes decided England had run enough and announced immediately after tea. After claiming 524-4, Josh Tongue won his first three hits in the Cricket Test to leave Ireland 97-3 late on Monday, still 255 runs short. Tongue knocked out Peter Moor LBW with his first ball in the second inning to give him his first racquet in test cricket and followed by Andrew Balbirnie’s racquet a few times later. He then caught Paul Stirling behind. Ireland may have only six championships left today, not seven, after James McCollum retired due to injury. It is not yet clear whether McCollum will fight today.
It’s not the biggest test for England before the Ashes, just weeks away. However, Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum will be excited by Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope’s batting as well as Josh Tongue’s debut. England will look to end the game early on Tuesday and win several miles behind the likes of Stuart Broad, Matty Potts, Jack Leach and Tongue. Ireland has a mountain to climb to even get England back. How long will Ireland last today?
