Ireland’s maiden Lord’s Test began in spectacular fashion as they bowled England out for only 85 before lunch on the opening day.
Middlesex seamer Tim Murtagh, no stranger to bowling from the Nursery End, claimed 5 for 13, the most economical figures to have appeared on the Honours Board at the Home of Cricket, with all his wickets coming in one spell.
England fought back to later bowl Ireland out for 207 towards the end of the final session. Andy Balbirnie, a former MCC Young Cricketer, made 55 as Stuart Broad, Olly Stone and Sam Curran took three wickets apiece.
This left the hosts to face one further over from Murtagh before the close of an action-packed day in which they trail the Irish by 122.
England won the toss and chose to bat on a scorching day but were quickly in deep trouble. Reeling at 42-6 having lost their entire top order by the end of the thirteenth over, their innings lasted less than 24 overs – their shortest on home soil.
Murtagh bowled in troublesome spots in tandem with opening partner Mark Adair (3 for 32). The 37-year-old has been with Middlesex since 2007 but it was only 78 minutes into his first Test at his home ground that he confirmed a place on the coveted Honours Board.
Tickets
Tickets for Day 2 will be available online here until midnight tonight with the remainder being sold at the North Gate Sales Point from 8:45am.