Tim Murtagh’s five-for sinks England to 85 all-out at Lord’s

In one of the most shocking sessions of Test cricket, Ireland managed to bundle the reigning ODI World Champions England for just 85 runs on the first day of the one-off Test. Playing at the home of cricket, Lord’s, Ireland’s pace bowler Tim Murtagh showed great skill and led the rout with a five-for. None of the English batsmen showed patience to hang around at the crease as their innings ended in just 23.4 overs.

This four-day Test against Ireland was supposed to be England’s preparation for the Ashes which begins on 1st August. However, the home team was in store for a shocking beginning. On the same venue where they lifted the World Cup ten days ago, the English side was humbled by the Irish men.

Winning the toss, English captain Joe Root chose to bat first on the green track laid out at Lord’s. It took Ireland only 12 balls to show that this match is not a walkover. Debutant Mark Adair trapped England’s debuting opener Jason Roy plumb in front of the stumps but he had overstepped in process. The reprieve proved no good as the batsman walked back to the pavilion four balls later.

Joe Denly and Rory Burns added 28 runs for the second wicket, which later proved to be the highest partnership of the innings. Adair and Tim Murtagh removed both in back-to-back overs to leave England in a spot of bother at 36/3. Captain Root and Jonny Bairstow were now left with the task of rebuilding the innings. The score trudged to 42/3.

What seemed an early collapse turned into a grave disaster as Murtagh stole the show on his favourite ground. The 38-year old used all his experience of bowling at his county home ground (Middlesex). By the time England played out their 15th over, Murtagh had already secured his name on the honour’s board. The 37-year old sliced through the English middle-order to bring them down to 43/7 from 42/3.

Tim Murtagh has taken 383 wickets at Lord’s. Since 2000, no bowler has more wickets at a single venue. #ENGvIRE

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) July 24, 2019

Just when the English tail started showing up resistance, Boyd Rankin was brought into the bowling attack. The former English cricketer provided the wicket straightaway by dismissing Stuart Broad. Adair then wrapped up the innings, picking his third wicket of the match. England were shot down for only 85 and lasted for only 142 balls.

Yep, you’re not dreaming ?#BackingGreen | #ENGvIRE pic.twitter.com/KbSMJBCC2A

— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) July 24, 2019