The format was different this time and the vibe was high-spirited, but one thing ceased to change. Ireland stood tall at the end of a see-saw day of the first Test at Lord’s.
They are with an upper hand, for now.
Back then, in the 2011 World Cup at Bangalore, batsman Kevin O’Brien left England dazed.
This time, Tim Murtagh, with the red cherry, was destroyer-in-chief.
Murtagh has long been in the Irish camp, an able contender to replace the likes of Trent Johnston and John Mooney. He is a little faster than a dibbly-dobbly bowler, one who exploited the conditions just enough to expose an inexperienced batting line-up.
The five-wicket haul also heralded the 37-year-old onto the Lord’s honour boards.
The faulty technique of the English top order again came to the fore, crashing to 85 in the first session.
Debutant Jason Roy gave his wicket, poking the one that was marginally going away from him. Moeen Ali got out to an identical delivery. Joe Root’s stay ended with a ball that sharply nipped back in.
By the time Ali went back to the pavilion, the home side had lost six wickets for seven runs in 28 deliveries.
As much the bowlers did an excellent job for Ireland, the batsmen had to remain equally unfazed – facing the likes of Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran.
Although a few close shaves went their way, the openers remained persistent, not playing too many lose strokes. Then, Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling’s imperative stand of 87 off just 15 overs was instrumental in building a healthy lead of 122.
And Ireland get their game together against England. In their previous two Tests, they came close, but never looked like stamping their authority. However, they become a different breed against the Three Lions.
The Irish have come together, beat the odds at the game’s holy ground, and stand on the cusp of their first-ever Test victory.
Whether they achieve it or not, it counts as a huge stride – greater than beating Pakistan in their maiden World Cup appearance.
Lord’s is where the world witnessed the undulating battle for World Cup between the Black Caps and the hosts. For the Englishmen, the home of cricket has turned into a nemesis recently.
Winning the biggest prize in 50-over cricket could rapidly be overshadowed by losing a game to the three-Test-old nation.
Paul
Roar Guru
heard an interesting comment from Jonathan Trott this afternoon. He was asked who he thought would win the current Test and he felt the pressure was really on Ireland and "England had nothing to lose". I guess losing a Test against the minnows in world cricket, just before an Ashes series, obviously counts as "not much to lose". I wonder if Root and co think the same way?
U
Roar Rookie
Whatever happens, they’ve done themselves proud.
U
Roar Rookie
But Ronan, the Aussie team has an awful habit of playing opposing players into form
James Butcher
Guest
Alex Tudor got 99 not out against NZ.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
In his past 15 Test innings Bairstow has averaged just 18, including 5 ducks. He's really struggling.
Paul
Roar Guru
Their top scorer to date has been their number 11 batsman, Bairstow has made a pair and England collapsed again in their second dig on a very good pitch. So England is going to go into the next Test on a batting high after this game, George?
George
Guest
A huge favour - how so? Greater focus next week against the Sandpeople perhaps.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
I reckon Leach is right. Time and again underdogs get to winning positions and lose. I sincerely hope he's wrong. What an innings by Leach though. Didn't quite make Dizzy nervous but it was a great knock. I could be wrong but I think that's the highest score by an English nightwatchman since Eddie Hemmings was given out to a dreadful lbw for 95, vs Australia 82/83. Go Ireland.
Paul
Roar Guru
According to Jack Leach, the Poms already have enough runs to win, being 181 in front. I suppose the number 11 batsman has to say something like that when he was top score for his side in the second innings. Regardless whether they win or not and I hope they do, Ireland have done Australia a huge favour with that first innings bowling effort.
Bunratty c
Roar Rookie
yes, without doubt, Ireland are "on the cusp" of a brilliant victory....