Roy, Leach Help England Erase Deficit vs Ireland as May Watches

Jason Roy scored a fifty in the second innings after getting out for 5 inn the first innings of his debut Test match.

(Photo: AP)

Jason Roy scored his maiden Test half century as England recovered from a poor start to erase the deficit and post 122/1 at lunch on day 2 of the only Test against Ireland at Lord's on Thursday, 25 July.

Roy remained unbeaten on 52 while overnight batsman Jack Leach was batting on 60 after Rory Burns got out for 6, Boyd Rankin taking his wicket. Roy was finally dismissed on 72.

Earlier, Ireland, led by veteran pacer Tim Murtagh's maiden five-for in international cricket, stunned the cricketing world with their performance as they ended day 1 with a 122-run lead over England who lifted the 50-over World Cup here little more than a year ago.

London-born pacer Murtagh, 37, returned spectacular figures of 5/13 in nine overs as Mark Adair (3/32) and Rankin (2/5), who became the first player in over seven decades to play Test cricket for and against England, supported him well. England were bundled out for 85 in 23.4 overs after opting to bat.

Ireland, in reply, were dismissed for 207 as Andrew Balbirnie top-scored with 55 off 69 balls (10x4) -- the only fifty on either side so far in the match -- with pacers Sam Curran (3/28), Olly Stone (3/29) and Stuart Broad (3/60) taking three wickets apiece.

Meanwhile, former British Prime Minister was present at Lord’s to watch the second day’s play. May was full of praise for the England team as they emerged World Champions in the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2019.

Britain’s former Prime Minister Theresa May, bottom right, watches from the stands during the second day of the test match between England and Ireland at Lord’s.(Photo: AP)

“The final was not just cricket at its best but sport at its best – courage, character, sportsmanship, drama, incredible skill and even the odd slice of luck – all combining to create a real thriller, one of the great sporting spectacles of our time.”

Brief scores: England 1st innings: 85 all out, 2nd innings: 122/1 (Jack Leach 60 batting, Jason Roy 52 batting); Ireland 207 all out