England were limited to a mere 85 all out against Ireland on the first day of the one-off Test at Lord’s in London on Wednesday.
The total is England’s 25th lowest in Test cricket – and fourth worst at Lord’s. Australia dismissed them for 53, 62 and 77 at the London venue – twice in 1888 and once in 1997. This is the fourth time they have been bowled out inside a session.
Wednesday marked Ireland’s maiden Test against England, who were swiftly grounded after a heady victory in the World Cup final against New Zealand.
Seamer Tim Murtagh bowled superbly, exploiting conditions rife with seam movement en route to telling figures of 5-13. Lord’s is Murtagh’s home ground when playing for Middlesex in English county cricket.
He was well supported by fast bowler Boyd Rankin, who has played Test cricket for England and Ireland, and debutant Mark Adair. They shared the five other wickets.
England’s top-seven batsmen featured five from the 2019 World Cup squad. The quintet shared just seven runs, with ducks for wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow and all-rounders Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes. Test debutant Jason Roy was unable to convert his superb World Cup form to success at Test level, while captain Joe Root was equally unimpressive.
Ireland, alongside Afghanistan, were granted Test status just two years ago. This is only their third Test, after May 2018 and March 2019’s respective defeats by Pakistan and the Afghans.
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