One more time a historic win is on the line as Ireland return to the Home of Cricket after a four-year hiatus eyeing their maiden Test triumph.
The last time Ireland made their Lord's appearance in the Test whites against England was in July 2019. Since then, Andy Balbirnie's side has featured in three additional Tests – one against Bangladesh and two against Sri Lanka – earlier this year.
They are yet to register their first-ever Test win or draw, having lost all their six encounters since becoming a Full Member nation despite their spirited performances.
Time for 📸#BackingGreen ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/gLKvTVX2Fk
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) May 30, 2023
Ireland's first Lord's appearance four years ago turned out to be a memorable affair. Despite losing the Test by a 143-run margin, they were dominant in the first session with both ball and bat. They would be hoping to replicate their first innings exploits as well as exhibit an improved second innings performance in their much-anticipated assignment.
However, Ireland have gone through significant changes in the last four years with some of their experienced players' retirement – Kevin O'Brien, former captain William Porterfield, wicket-keeper Gary Wilson, and experienced pacers Tim Murtagh and Boyd Rankin – who all were part of the previous Lord's Test.
England, too, have gone through a transformation under the leadership of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. The 'Bazball' approach has evidently made them a formidable side in Test cricket lately, having brought 10 wins from 12 Tests.
With a home Ashes series fast approaching, England will be looking to use this Test as a vital part of their preparations for the clash against their arch-rivals Australia.
England have named their XI for the Lord's Test against Ireland 🚨https://t.co/1FNpu46l1t
— ICC (@ICC) May 30, 2023
England bring a wealth of experience to the table in Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad, and Jonny Bairstow, as well as promising young talents in Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, and Matthew Potts. They have also named uncapped Josh Tongue to their XI.
Last time they met
Recalling their previous Lord's encounter, Ireland will go into this Test against England with a lot of confidence. They headlined the action on the opening day of the 2019 Test by bowling England out for 85 in the first innings courtesy of Tim Murtagh's impressive 5/13 from just nine overs.
With the bat, they fought back with a score of 207 and a lead of 122. It was in the second outing that Ireland crumbled with the bat after England set them a target of 182. They could only manage 38 runs in response, falling short by 143.
Back Home 😍 pic.twitter.com/XrbyAn6FAl
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 30, 2023
Teams
England XI: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue (debut), Jack Leach.
Ireland squad: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Matthew Foster, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, James McCollum, PJ Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
Trending News
-
1
1 Former South Africa skipper hints at return for T20 World Cup
Former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has revealed he is considering a comeback to international cricket in time for next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
-
2 A new star is born as India youngster claims top ranking
-
3 Zimbabwe name new faces for Ireland T20Is
-
4 Explained: Why Mushfiqur Rahim was given out against New Zealand
-
5 Plenty of new faces in South Africa's squads for India series