Andy Balbirnie: “Character not in doubt, we’ve got a tough group. Test cricket is very raw to us, yesterday was a tough day but to come back and make England bat again was a small win. [Hume shot to take Ireland in front] Heartening to hear the noise in the ground even though we were behind the eight ball.
We want to grow the game in our country so small wins like that are important. We go in believing we can compete, but England quickly showed the standard and it was hard to keep up. We’re learning on the job and we’ve got to learn quickly. Hopefully next time we’ll show the benefit. [Captaining against Bazball] It gets you thinking, looking around for ideas, but it’s exciting and I thought guys played well.
We showed glimpses today and can be proud of that. [Opportunity] We’ve got to play teams around our own level to bed into the format, hard to come here before the Ashes but these are the fixtures we’ve been given. [World Cup qualifiers] Huge event for us, a lot of focus on that for us. Dust ourselves off, get on a plane and hopefully produce good cricket.”
Ben Stokes: “Thought Ireland came out and showed grit and determination. Gives us a little insight into what we might have to do against Australia. It got flatter as it went on. Trying to take the game on in our own way allowed us to potentially bowl them out without batting again. Ireland had to get a really good score to put us under pressure.
Good test and credit to Ireland today. [Bairstow and Tongue] Jonny came back in and did a tidy job behind the stumps. Good to get back out into the arena. Tongue came in and performed really well, he’d performed that third seamer role and showed how versatile he can be. Something we’re looking for in a seam bowler. Keep it simple for everyone. Explain the role [to new guys], do what you do and don’t worry about the rest of the stuff. Pretty special getting a five-for for England at Lord’s.
[Knee problem] No, didn’t pick it up, my weight went on the inside of my knee like it hyperextended. But I bowled this morning, so nothing to worry about. [Ashes] Not much more we can do. The new way is you get as ready as you can, get in the right frame of mind. Great to get back as a group, spending quality time together before the Ashes. Really looking forward to it.”
The Player of the Match Ollie Pope: [Maiden double] “Massive, always special to come to Lord’s in front of a packed house. Great to get back with the boys, we’ve had a lot of fun, nice to contribute. [Preparation] I like to feel in rhythm, find my tempo and that’s what I had from the County Championship. Nice to cash in pre-Ashes.
[Batting No3] Great opportunity to set up the innings for your team. Few more gaps in the field, so it’s fun. Not much has changed [with vice-captaincy], we’ve got so much experience in the team, so it’s just channeling some opinions to Stokesy. To get a good run out as a team together, for the batters to get a feel for it, nice to get the bonding again. We’re excited [for the Ashes].”
England vs Ireland Highlights today. only test, Saturday 3-6-2023, Ireland tour of England 2023, Lord’s, London.
England win the toss and bowl first.
England team: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Jack Leach, 10 Josh Tongue, 11 Matt Potts.
Ireland team: 1 James McCollum, 2 PJ Moor, 3 Andy Balbirnie (capt), 4 Harry Tector, 5 Paul Stirling, 6 Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7 Curtis Campher, 8 Andy McBrine, 9 Mark Adair, 10 Fionn Hand, 11 Graham Hume.
Head to Head In test’s: 1
England Won: 1
Ireland Won: 0
England test Rankings: 3rd
Ireland test Rankings: ???
Form guide
(Last five matches, most recent first)
England LWWWW
Ireland LLLLL
Match Timings: 9:45 AM GMT | 10:45 AM Local
Umpires – Adrian Holdstock, Paul Wilson
TV Umpire – Kumar Dharmasena
Match Referee – Richie Richardson
Reserve Umpire – David Millns
Match number – Test no. 2504
