Lord’s Test, England vs Ireland Preview – Brexit or no Brexit? England to settle the rivalry with Ireland at Lord’s

All eyes on Jason Roy as the opener is set to make his Test debut.

Published - 23 Jul 2019, 13:56 IST | Updated - 23 Jul 2019, 13:56 IST

2 Min Read

After a fitting finale at the home of cricket, the England players will be still in their respective dreamlands. It was a moment of bliss for the English cricket fans who are now gearing up for the red ball saga. The most iconic Test series, Ashes is just a week away but before that Joe Root’s men will be taking on Ireland in a one-off historic Test match.

The Brits will be considering the tie as a perfect opportunity for the Ashes preparations. Of late the team has struggled to stamp their authority in red-ball cricket but they will be riding high on the success of World Cup. They will be wary of their neighbours who have trounced them on the biggest stages.

On the other hand, the Irish team will be playing their second game in the classic format. After losing their inaugural Test match against Pakistan at Dublin it will be another golden opportunity for them to show their rise in the longest format. They will be taking some confidence from some of their historic wins which in turn have come against England.

The Mecca of cricket will again host an important cricketing event. England will be eager to impose their dominance and the visitors need to make use of their limited opportunities. It will be the continuation of Anglo-Irish battle on the cricket field in which both the teams have a lot to gain.

Playing Combinations

England

The English side will see a change in their opening pair as their white-ball star, Jason Roy is set to make his Test debut. Along with him the Surrey batsman, Rory Burns will also get his opportunity to establish himself in the side. With the skipper, Joe Root as their batting mainstay the middle-order duties will be shared between him and Joe Denly.

Jonny Bairstow will be again donning the wicket-keeping gloves. Sam Curran and Moeen Ali will be filling up the all-rounder slots with the later being their premier spinner. The new entrant Lewis Gregory is expected to fill the void of Ben Stokes. The bowling unit will be led by Stuard Board and Chris Woakes in the absence of James Anderson who is yet to recover from a calf injury. The pace ace, Olly Stone will make his red-ball debut.

Predicted XI

Jason Roy, Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Lewis Gregory, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Olly Stone

Ireland

The veterans William Porterfield and Paul Stirling will be leading the batting charge at the top with the former also being the skipper of the team. Andrew Balbirinie is expected to play a key role in the middle-order along with James McCollum and Kevin O’Brien. Gary Wilson will be taking care of the duties behind the stumps.

Stuart Thompson will help the side with his all-round skills. The bowling unit will see the former England star, Boyd Rankin along with Mark Adair who was in red hot form against Zimbabwe with 10 wickets in 5 games. The spin department will be served by Tim Murtagh and Andy Mcbrine.

Predicted XI

William Porterfield (c), Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbrine, James McCollum, Gary Wilson (wk), Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Thompson, Tim Murtagh, Andy Mcbrine/ Simi Singh, Boyd Rankin, Mark Adair/ Craig Young.

Focus will be on

Jason Roy (England)

The World Cup winner is in ominous form as he was smashing the white ball to all parts of the ground. With England still searching for their opening batsman for the first test of Ashes, Roy needs to find his feet quickly in the red-ball cricket. His presence will change the dynamics of English batting in the Test arena.

Boyd Rankin (Ireland)

The lanky speedster who once represented England aimed to prove his mettle against his former teammates. Boyd Rankin will enjoy the renowned track of Lord’s and he has the pace to trouble the best of the batsmen. His new-ball spell is crucial for the side to have any chance to beat England at home.