It was Ireland’s day once again at Lord’s despite a resolute effort from England nightwatchman Jack Leach on the second day of the one-off Specsavers Test Match.
Leach fell agonisingly short of a place on the Home of Cricket's famous Honours Board, but his battling 92 helped England fight back against Ireland, who ended the day 303 for 9, a lead of 181 over their visitors.
The Somerset spinner, who averaged less than 11 in first-class cricket with a highest score of 66 before this match, batted at number eleven when England were bowled out for just 85 yesterday morning. He came to the crease last night to survive the solitary over England faced as they began their second innings of the day and his subsequent efforts on day two included sixteen fours in a fine innings as he and Jason Roy (72) put on 145 for the second wicket.
However, Ireland enjoyed another strong day with the ball and were today led by Mark Adair, who claimed three wickets whilst Boyd Rankin and Stuart Thompson picked up two apiece.
Ireland will want to take the final wicket quickly on Friday morning and ensure their run chase remains sub-200 to be confident of winning this absorbing match.
Tickets
Tickets for Day 3 will be available online here until midnight tonight with the remainder being sold at the North Gate Sales Point from 8:45am.