Australia beat Ireland in their penultimate Super 12 clash in the Men's T20 World Cup 2022 edition, on Monday (October 31). Playing the Irish at The Gabba, Brisbane -- which hosted its first game in the ongoing edition -- Finch &amp; Co. eased past the Andrew Balbirnie-led side by 42 runs and remain alive in the race for the semi-finals. However, a bigger win would've ensured a more healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) for the hosts and defending champions;&nbsp;a need of the hour for teams like Australia and England in Group A (which has been dominated by New Zealand).

Being asked to bat first, Australia weren't off to a great start as they lost David Warner for cheap (3). Finch, who has been struggling for runs, also didn't get off to a flier. Mitchell Marsh, at No. 3, returned for a 23-ball 28. Finch managed to up the ante during his crucial 70-run fourth-wicket stand with Marcus Stoinis (who scored a vital 25-ball 35) and returned with a 44-ball 63, laced with 5 fours and 3 sixes. He managed to hit some big shots -- off&nbsp;Mark Adair and George Dockrell -- before his departure. Late hits from Tim David and Matthew Wade took Aussies to a competitive 179-5.&nbsp;

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In reply, Ireland were off to a promising start before they were reduced to 25 for 5 after being 18 for no loss. Two wickets apiece from Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa and Mitchell Starc dented Ireland's chase as they were bundled out for 139 in 18.1 overs. Lorcan Tucker's entertaining 48-ball 71 was the only shining aspect for Ireland during their run-chase. His inning prevented the hosts from attaining a more comprehensive victory, which could've bolstered their NRR further (had they won by 75 runs, or more, it would've taken them above England) as Group A continues to be congested with many contenders for the second spot (given NZ already have a one foot in the semi-finals).

What they said

Aaron Finch:&nbsp;It was a good performance. Getting 180 was a decent score on that wicket. We knew we had to lay the foundation early and couldn't risk being 4-5 down. Just a little bit of hammy tightness, he (Tim David) sat out as a precaution. It is nice when it works like that (not opening with Starc), doesn't always work but there's a lot of time and planning that goes into it, sometimes you look great and sometimes you look stupid, you take the good with the bad in this format. It would have been nice, having them 5 for 25 to really push that forward, Tucker played a helluva knock there.

Andrew Balbirnie:&nbsp;It was hardly fought. The first innings got away, we bowled well but a couple of overs didn't go our way and certainly didn't get the start with the bat, but to show the fight&nbsp;at the end was nice. Looking at the scoreboard we thought it wasn't against us, again the wickets column was a problem and who knows if someone had stayed with Tucker. He has had a really good World Cup and these wickets here suit him.

Australia beat Ireland in their penultimate Super 12 clash in the Men's T20 World Cup 2022 edition, on Monday (October 31). Playing the Irish at The Gabba, Brisbane -- which hosted its first game in the ongoing edition -- Finch & Co.

Australia beat Ireland in their penultimate Super 12 clash in the Men's T20 World Cup 2022 edition, on Monday (October 31). Playing the Irish at The Gabba, Brisbane -- which hosted its first game in the ongoing edition -- Finch & Co. eased past the Andrew Balbirnie-led side by 42 runs and remain alive in the race for the semi-finals. However, a bigger win would've ensured a more healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) for the hosts and defending champions; a need of the hour for teams like Australia and England in Group A (which has been dominated by New Zealand). Being asked to bat first, Australia weren't off to a great start as they lost David Warner for cheap (3). Finch, who has been struggling for runs, also didn't get off to a flier. Mitchell Marsh, at No. 3, returned for a 23-ball 28. Finch managed to up the ante during his crucial 70-run fourth-wicket stand with Marcus Stoinis (who scored a vital 25-ball 35) and returned with a 44-ball 63, laced with 5 fours and 3 sixes. He managed to hit some big shots -- off Mark Adair and George Dockrell -- before his departure. Late hits from Tim David and Matthew Wade took Aussies to a competitive 179-5. ALSO READ | Four incredible patterns that suggest India might lift the T20 World Cup 2022 trophy In reply, Ireland were off to a promising start before they were reduced to 25 for 5 after being 18 for no loss. Two wickets apiece from Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa and Mitchell Starc dented Ireland's chase as they were bundled out for 139 in 18.1 overs. Lorcan Tucker's entertaining 48-ball 71 was the only shining aspect for Ireland during their run-chase. His inning prevented the hosts from attaining a more comprehensive victory, which could've bolstered their NRR further (had they won by 75 runs, or more, it would've taken them above England) as Group A continues to be congested with many contenders for the second spot (given NZ already have a one foot in the semi-finals). What they said Aaron Finch: It was a good performance. Getting 180 was a decent score on that wicket. We knew we had to lay the foundation early and couldn't risk being 4-5 down. Just a little bit of hammy tightness, he (Tim David) sat out as a precaution. It is nice when it works like that (not opening with Starc), doesn't always work but there's a lot of time and planning that goes into it, sometimes you look great and sometimes you look stupid, you take the good with the bad in this format. It would have been nice, having them 5 for 25 to really push that forward, Tucker played a helluva knock there. Andrew Balbirnie: It was hardly fought. The first innings got away, we bowled well but a couple of overs didn't go our way and certainly didn't get the start with the bat, but to show the fight at the end was nice. Looking at the scoreboard we thought it wasn't against us, again the wickets column was a problem and who knows if someone had stayed with Tucker. He has had a really good World Cup and these wickets here suit him.

T20 WC: Australia ease past Ireland, miss out on golden chance to improve NRR as race for semis intensifies

Ireland produced a shocking result as they defeated the 2010 winners England by five runs, via DLS method, in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday (October 26). In a rain-marred contest, at the MCG, Melbourne, Ireland were asked to bat first and they rode on skipper Andrew Balbirnie (62) and George Tucker (34) to post 157 all-out in 19.3 overs, despite being well-placed at 103 for 2 in 12 overs. In reply, England's run-chase never got going and they lost early wickets, courtesy of Joshua Little, before rain made its presence felt just when Moeen Ali started to accelerate.

In 14.3 overs, England were 105 for 5 and needed 53 more from 33 balls. However, rain returned and led to an abrupt end to the contest; resulting in Ireland's win as they were five runs ahead as per DLS score. After the loss, England have a herculean task to stay alive in the contest and will next face defending champions and hosts Australia on Friday (October 28). Ahead of the high-octane battle, skipper Jos Buttler lavished praise on Ireland for their memorable win.

Speaking after the match, the England captain said: "The second 10 overs were much better, we let Ireland get 20-30 runs too many in the first 10 and were under pressure to restrict them. They showed us how to bowl on that wicket. Myself getting out in the first over, that's never ideal and we never managed to grab the initiative. They bowled well and used the wicket well. It (the rain) was going to get heavier and heavier wasn't it, but again as I said we won the toss and chose to bowl with the advantage of knowing what to do with the bat."

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"They outplayed us in all three facets of the game and the better team won. We know we have made a mistake here and have put more pressure on us, but certainly if you needed a game to get going then England-Australia is one of those," Buttler added.

In the Group A, New Zealand and Sri Lanka occupy the top two spots whereas England, Ireland and Australia follow suit with Afghanistan being the only side to remain winless so far.

Ireland produced a shocking result as they defeated the 2010 winners England by five runs, via DLS method, in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday (October 26).

Ireland produced a shocking result as they defeated the 2010 winners England by five runs, via DLS method, in the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday (October 26). In a rain-marred contest, at the MCG, Melbourne, Ireland were asked to bat first and they rode on skipper Andrew Balbirnie (62) and George Tucker (34) to post 157 all-out in 19.3 overs, despite being well-placed at 103 for 2 in 12 overs. In reply, England's run-chase never got going and they lost early wickets, courtesy of Joshua Little, before rain made its presence felt just when Moeen Ali started to accelerate. In 14.3 overs, England were 105 for 5 and needed 53 more from 33 balls. However, rain returned and led to an abrupt end to the contest; resulting in Ireland's win as they were five runs ahead as per DLS score. After the loss, England have a herculean task to stay alive in the contest and will next face defending champions and hosts Australia on Friday (October 28). Ahead of the high-octane battle, skipper Jos Buttler lavished praise on Ireland for their memorable win. Speaking after the match, the England captain said: "The second 10 overs were much better, we let Ireland get 20-30 runs too many in the first 10 and were under pressure to restrict them. They showed us how to bowl on that wicket. Myself getting out in the first over, that's never ideal and we never managed to grab the initiative. They bowled well and used the wicket well. It (the rain) was going to get heavier and heavier wasn't it, but again as I said we won the toss and chose to bowl with the advantage of knowing what to do with the bat." ALSO READ | T20 WC: Huge upset! Andy Balbirnie, Joshua Little star as Ireland stun 2010 winners England on DLS method "They outplayed us in all three facets of the game and the better team won. We know we have made a mistake here and have put more pressure on us, but certainly if you needed a game to get going then England-Australia is one of those," Buttler added. In the Group A, New Zealand and Sri Lanka occupy the top two spots whereas England, Ireland and Australia follow suit with Afghanistan being the only side to remain winless so far.

T20 WC: Jos Buttler showers praise on Ireland as pressure piles on England ahead of Australia tie

On Wednesday (October 26), England faced Ireland in the Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup (T20 WC) 2022 edition, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne. In a rain-marred contest, Ireland had England on the back foot during their run-chase before weather played its part and awarded the match to the lowly-ranked Irish side, who were five runs ahead as per DLS score at the time of the final rain interruption.

After rain led to a delayed start, England opted to bowl first at the MCG, Melbourne. Despite the rain, there were no overs lost as Ireland commenced their innings with a bang courtesy of Paul Stirling's early strikes. Against the run of play, he was removed by&nbsp;Mark Wood. Skipper Andrew Balbirnie (62) and George Tucker (34) got together and stitched an impressive 82-run second-wicket stand to take the innings forward. The partnership was broken with Liam Livingstone removing the Irish captain as a collapse followed suit.

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From 112 for 2 in 12 overs, the Irish innings went nowhere as Wood and Livingstone chipped in with regular strikes whereas Sam Curran, who returned with a five-fer in England's tournament opener versus Afghanistan, ended with 2 for 31. Wood and Livingstone got three scalps each as Ireland was dismissed for 157 in 19.3 overs, from 103/3&nbsp;in 12 overs. They scored only 30 runs and lost seven wickets in the last five overs.&nbsp;

In reply, England's run-chase started off on a dismal note. Captain Jos Buttler departed without troubling the scorers whereas Alex Hales went for cheap as well. The left-arm seamer Joshua Little troubled the Englishmen with his angles and got some movement and good carry whereas others also chipped in with England not being able to score freely. At the halfway mark, England was 63-3 and needed 96 off the last 60.&nbsp;

Moeen Ali got Livingstone's company and began taking on the Irish bowlers before rain made its presence felt in the middle of the 15th over, with England still five runs behind as per the DLS method. With no further play possible, with England 105 for 5 in 14.3 overs, the match went in Ireland's grasp.

Thus, it is a famous day for the Irish camp after getting&nbsp;the better of the 2010 champions.

On Wednesday (October 26), England faced Ireland in the Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup (T20 WC) 2022 edition, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne.

On Wednesday (October 26), England faced Ireland in the Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup (T20 WC) 2022 edition, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne. In a rain-marred contest, Ireland had England on the back foot during their run-chase before weather played its part and awarded the match to the lowly-ranked Irish side, who were five runs ahead as per DLS score at the time of the final rain interruption. After rain led to a delayed start, England opted to bowl first at the MCG, Melbourne. Despite the rain, there were no overs lost as Ireland commenced their innings with a bang courtesy of Paul Stirling's early strikes. Against the run of play, he was removed by Mark Wood. Skipper Andrew Balbirnie (62) and George Tucker (34) got together and stitched an impressive 82-run second-wicket stand to take the innings forward. The partnership was broken with Liam Livingstone removing the Irish captain as a collapse followed suit. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Marcus Stoinis creates new all-time record after absolute carnage during AUS run-chase vs SL From 112 for 2 in 12 overs, the Irish innings went nowhere as Wood and Livingstone chipped in with regular strikes whereas Sam Curran, who returned with a five-fer in England's tournament opener versus Afghanistan, ended with 2 for 31. Wood and Livingstone got three scalps each as Ireland was dismissed for 157 in 19.3 overs, from 103/3 in 12 overs. They scored only 30 runs and lost seven wickets in the last five overs. In reply, England's run-chase started off on a dismal note. Captain Jos Buttler departed without troubling the scorers whereas Alex Hales went for cheap as well. The left-arm seamer Joshua Little troubled the Englishmen with his angles and got some movement and good carry whereas others also chipped in with England not being able to score freely. At the halfway mark, England was 63-3 and needed 96 off the last 60. Moeen Ali got Livingstone's company and began taking on the Irish bowlers before rain made its presence felt in the middle of the 15th over, with England still five runs behind as per the DLS method. With no further play possible, with England 105 for 5 in 14.3 overs, the match went in Ireland's grasp. Thus, it is a famous day for the Irish camp after getting the better of the 2010 champions.

T20 WC: Huge upset! Andy Balbirnie, Joshua Little star as Ireland stun 2010 winners England on DLS method

Hardik Pandya-led India will take the field on June 28 to lock horns with hosts Ireland in the second and final T20I. With an unassailable lead, Team India will definitely go for the kill whereas Andrew Balbirnie-led Irish camp will want to learn from their mistakes and put up a spirited show to end the series on a 1-1 stalemate.&nbsp;

Talking about the rain-affected series opener, held on Sunday (June 26), Hardik &amp; Co. opted to bowl first at The Village, Dublin. After getting some early breakthroughs, Indian bowlers were smacked to all parts of the ground as&nbsp;Harry Tector's 33-ball 64 not out propelled them to a fighting total, i.e. 108-4 in a 12-over aside contest. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 3-1-16-1 and Yuzvendra Chahal's 3-0-11-1 were the stand-out performers for the visitors with the ball.

In reply, Ishan Kishan's 26, off 11 deliveries, Deepak Hooda's 47 not out and captain Hardik's 12-ball 24 led India to a comfortable seven-wicket win to take a 1-0 lead. Will Ireland bounce back to level the series and avoid a clean sweep?

Here is everything you need to know about the match - date, IST, streaming details, etc.&nbsp;

When is India vs Ireland 2nd T20I&nbsp;taking place?

The India vs Ireland 2nd T20I match will&nbsp;take place on June 28, 2022 (Tuesday evening).&nbsp;

Where is India vs Ireland 2nd T20I match taking place?

India vs Ireland 2nd T20I&nbsp;will be held&nbsp;at the picturesque The Village, Dublin.

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At what time is India vs Ireland 2nd T20I match taking place?

India vs Ireland 2nd T20I&nbsp;match will commence&nbsp;at 9:00 pm IST.

How to watch India vs Ireland 2nd T20I match live on TV?

India vs Ireland 2nd T20I will be aired live on Sony Sports Network in India.

How to watch India vs Ireland 2nd T20I match live streaming?

India vs Ireland 2nd T20I will be available on the SonyLiv app as well as on the website.

Hardik Pandya-led India will take the field on June 28 to lock horns with hosts Ireland in the second and final T20I. With an unassailable lead, Team India will definitely go for the kill whereas Andrew Balbirnie-led Irish camp will want to learn from their mistakes and put up a spirited show to end the series on a 1-1 stalemate.

Hardik Pandya-led India will take the field on June 28 to lock horns with hosts Ireland in the second and final T20I. With an unassailable lead, Team India will definitely go for the kill whereas Andrew Balbirnie-led Irish camp will want to learn from their mistakes and put up a spirited show to end the series on a 1-1 stalemate. Talking about the rain-affected series opener, held on Sunday (June 26), Hardik & Co. opted to bowl first at The Village, Dublin. After getting some early breakthroughs, Indian bowlers were smacked to all parts of the ground as Harry Tector's 33-ball 64 not out propelled them to a fighting total, i.e. 108-4 in a 12-over aside contest. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 3-1-16-1 and Yuzvendra Chahal's 3-0-11-1 were the stand-out performers for the visitors with the ball. In reply, Ishan Kishan's 26, off 11 deliveries, Deepak Hooda's 47 not out and captain Hardik's 12-ball 24 led India to a comfortable seven-wicket win to take a 1-0 lead. Will Ireland bounce back to level the series and avoid a clean sweep? Here is everything you need to know about the match - date, IST, streaming details, etc. When is India vs Ireland 2nd T20I taking place? The India vs Ireland 2nd T20I match will take place on June 28, 2022 (Tuesday evening). Where is India vs Ireland 2nd T20I match taking place? India vs Ireland 2nd T20I will be held at the picturesque The Village, Dublin. ALSO READ | Will Sanju Samson replace Ruturaj Gaikwad? India's predicted playing XI for 2nd T20I against Ireland At what time is India vs Ireland 2nd T20I match taking place? India vs Ireland 2nd T20I match will commence at 9:00 pm IST. How to watch India vs Ireland 2nd T20I match live on TV? India vs Ireland 2nd T20I will be aired live on Sony Sports Network in India. How to watch India vs Ireland 2nd T20I match live streaming? India vs Ireland 2nd T20I will be available on the SonyLiv app as well as on the website.

IND vs Ire: When and where to watch India vs Ireland 2nd T20I - IST time and streaming details

Paul Stirling and captain Andrew Balbirnie both scored hundreds as Ireland completed a shock seven-wicket win over world champions England in the third one-day international at Southampton on Tuesday.

Stirling made 142 and Balbirnie 113, the pair putting on 264 for the second wicket as Ireland chased a target of 329.

When both were out in quick succession, however, it looked like Ireland might falter but Kevin O'Brien -- whose brilliant hundred set up Ireland's stunning win over England at the 2011 World Cup in Bangalore, helped see them to victory with just one ball to spare.

Ireland's win was all the more impressive as they had lost the first two matches in a three-game series after making lowly totals of 172 and 212-9.

Earlier England captain Eoin Morgan, a former Ireland batsman, made 106 against his native country.

But with England on course for an impregnable total, they three wickets for 13 runs as they slumped from 190-3 to 203-6.

Ireland's victory, which rounded off the first ODI series since the coronavirus lockdown, also gave them 10 points in the new World Cup Super League, which will determine qualification for the 2023 50-over showpiece in India.

<h2>Brief scores:</h2>

England 328, 50 overs (E Morgan 106, T Banton 58, D Willey 51; C Young 3-53)

Ireland 329-3, 49.5 overs (P Stirling 142, A Balbirnie 113)

Result: Ireland win by seven wickets

Series: England win three-match series 2-1&nbsp;

Paul Stirling and captain Andrew Balbirnie both scored hundreds as Ireland completed a shock seven-wicket win over world champions England in the third one-day international at Southampton on Tuesday.

Paul Stirling and captain Andrew Balbirnie both scored hundreds as Ireland completed a shock seven-wicket win over world champions England in the third one-day international at Southampton on Tuesday. Stirling made 142 and Balbirnie 113, the pair putting on 264 for the second wicket as Ireland chased a target of 329. When both were out in quick succession, however, it looked like Ireland might falter but Kevin O'Brien -- whose brilliant hundred set up Ireland's stunning win over England at the 2011 World Cup in Bangalore, helped see them to victory with just one ball to spare. Ireland's win was all the more impressive as they had lost the first two matches in a three-game series after making lowly totals of 172 and 212-9. Earlier England captain Eoin Morgan, a former Ireland batsman, made 106 against his native country. But with England on course for an impregnable total, they three wickets for 13 runs as they slumped from 190-3 to 203-6. Ireland's victory, which rounded off the first ODI series since the coronavirus lockdown, also gave them 10 points in the new World Cup Super League, which will determine qualification for the 2023 50-over showpiece in India. Brief scores: England 328, 50 overs (E Morgan 106, T Banton 58, D Willey 51; C Young 3-53) Ireland 329-3, 49.5 overs (P Stirling 142, A Balbirnie 113) Result: Ireland win by seven wickets Series: England win three-match series 2-1

Stirling, Balbirnie hundreds see Ireland beat world champions England

Batsmen Jack Leach and Jason Roy both scored their maiden Test fifties as England fought back against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/england-collapse-to-85-all-out-in-ireland-test-238217">Ireland</a> at Lord's on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/murtagh-rips-through-hapless-england-as-ireland-take-charge-238387">England</a> were 122 for one in their second innings at lunch on the second day, having drawn level after conceding a first-innings deficit of 122.

Leach, primarily a left-arm spinner but sent in as a nightwatchman opener on Wednesday, was 60 not out - the first time he had reached double figures in first-class cricket this season - and Test debutant Roy was unbeaten on 52.

Their unbroken partnership is so far worth 96 runs after they came together at 26-1 following the dismissal of Rory Burns, Roy's Surrey teammate.

In contrast to their woeful Wednesday morning, when they were bowled out for 85 after winning the toss, with seamer Tim Murtagh taking 5-13 on his Middlesex home ground, England got through Thursday's first session for the loss of just Burns's wicket.

England resumed on their overnight 0-0 after Ireland had made 207, featuring Andrew Balbirnie's 55, in the visitors' first Test match against England and only their third in total.

The one-off fixture was scheduled to last four days, rather than the standard five for a Test, and England had to hope they could tire Ireland's attack by keeping them in the field on another hot day in north London.

But to do that, they would have to bat far better than on Wednesday, when they were bowled out in a single session for the fourth time since 2016 - a worrying sign ahead of an Ashes series that starts next week.

Leach, who somehow survived a Murtagh maiden on Wednesday, played watchfully straight.&nbsp;

And when fast bowler Boyd Rankin, the first cricketer since the Nawab of Pataudi in 1946 to both play for and against England in a Test match, dropped short, Leach cut him for four.

Burns, selected as an opening batsman, looked the more likely to be dismissed and, for the second time in the match, the Surrey left-hander fell for six when he pushed hard at Rankin away from his body and edged a simple catch behind to wicketkeeper Gary Wilson.

Leach, however, carried on and when he off-drove Mark Adair for three he went to 25 - more than any England batsman managed in the first innings of this match.

Roy, looking to make England's problem position of Test opener his own after starring in England's World Cup triumph, off-drove a four off paceman Adair and hoisted off-spinner Andy McBrine for six.

Leach went to 47 with a straight-driven four off Stuart Thompson before his edged boundary through third man off the medium-pacer saw him to an 82-ball fifty featuring eight fours.&nbsp;

It was a fine effort by Leach, playing his fifth Test but first on home soil, given his previous highest score at this level was 16 against New Zealand in Christchurch last year.

And when Roy cut Thompson to the point fence, he completed a 47-ball fifty including seven fours and a six.

Batsmen Jack Leach and Jason Roy both scored their maiden Test fifties as England fought back against Ireland at Lord's on Thursday. England were 122 for one in their second innings at lunch on the second day, having drawn level after conceding a first-innings deficit of 122.

Batsmen Jack Leach and Jason Roy both scored their maiden Test fifties as England fought back against Ireland at Lord's on Thursday. England were 122 for one in their second innings at lunch on the second day, having drawn level after conceding a first-innings deficit of 122. Leach, primarily a left-arm spinner but sent in as a nightwatchman opener on Wednesday, was 60 not out - the first time he had reached double figures in first-class cricket this season - and Test debutant Roy was unbeaten on 52. Their unbroken partnership is so far worth 96 runs after they came together at 26-1 following the dismissal of Rory Burns, Roy's Surrey teammate. In contrast to their woeful Wednesday morning, when they were bowled out for 85 after winning the toss, with seamer Tim Murtagh taking 5-13 on his Middlesex home ground, England got through Thursday's first session for the loss of just Burns's wicket. England resumed on their overnight 0-0 after Ireland had made 207, featuring Andrew Balbirnie's 55, in the visitors' first Test match against England and only their third in total. The one-off fixture was scheduled to last four days, rather than the standard five for a Test, and England had to hope they could tire Ireland's attack by keeping them in the field on another hot day in north London. But to do that, they would have to bat far better than on Wednesday, when they were bowled out in a single session for the fourth time since 2016 - a worrying sign ahead of an Ashes series that starts next week. Leach, who somehow survived a Murtagh maiden on Wednesday, played watchfully straight. And when fast bowler Boyd Rankin, the first cricketer since the Nawab of Pataudi in 1946 to both play for and against England in a Test match, dropped short, Leach cut him for four. Burns, selected as an opening batsman, looked the more likely to be dismissed and, for the second time in the match, the Surrey left-hander fell for six when he pushed hard at Rankin away from his body and edged a simple catch behind to wicketkeeper Gary Wilson. Leach, however, carried on and when he off-drove Mark Adair for three he went to 25 - more than any England batsman managed in the first innings of this match. Roy, looking to make England's problem position of Test opener his own after starring in England's World Cup triumph, off-drove a four off paceman Adair and hoisted off-spinner Andy McBrine for six. Leach went to 47 with a straight-driven four off Stuart Thompson before his edged boundary through third man off the medium-pacer saw him to an 82-ball fifty featuring eight fours. It was a fine effort by Leach, playing his fifth Test but first on home soil, given his previous highest score at this level was 16 against New Zealand in Christchurch last year. And when Roy cut Thompson to the point fence, he completed a 47-ball fifty including seven fours and a six.

Lord's Test: Jack Leach, Jason Roy get England back on level terms against Ireland