Ire vs eng

LONDON, June 3 (Reuters) - Seamer Josh Tongue took five wickets to help England thrash Ireland by 10 wickets in the one-off test at Lord's on Saturday ahead of the Ashes series against Australia, but the visitors salvaged some pride with a brave batting effort on the third day. Having bowled out Ireland for 172 in their Resuming on 97-3, Harry Tector got Ireland off to a strong start, scoring 51 off 98 balls before holing out to point for debutant Tongue's fourth wicket of the innings. Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher also departed before lunch to leave Ireland reeling, a third successive innings defeat seemingly inevitable after two heavy Andy McBrine and Mark Adair launched an effective counter-attack, however, in a blistering seventh-wicket stand, scoring 163 runs off 165 balls -- the highest-ever test partnership for Ireland. Matthew Potts broke the stand when Adair, on 88, got the slightest of touches on a delivery as it flew through to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow. McBrine battled on after Fionn Hand became Tongue's fifth scalp, scoring 86 not out as he dragged Ireland over the line and forced the hosts to bat again, albeit briefly. Chasing a paltry target of 11, England opener Zak Crawley hit Adair for three boundaries in four balls to seal England's 11th win in 13 tests. "I think it gives us a good insight into the conditions and what we might get against Australia in the summer coming up," England captain Ben Stokes told the BBC. "Ireland could have easily got furt...

Offering the perspective of a professional footballer, Troy Parrott wished Tom Cannon the best as the 20-year-old contemplates a switch in allegiance from Ireland to England. Parrott and Cannon played together this season as the two Irish strikers were loaned to Preston North End from their respective Premier League clubs, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton. They were joined at Deepdale by another Irish qualified centre forward in Liam Delap, who almost certainly intends to don the Three Lions crest despite his father Rory winning 11 caps for Ireland. “It’s up to him whatever he wants to do,” said Parrott of Cannon, after the football agent Kenny Moyes informed Ireland manager Stephen Kenny that the Liverpudlian is considering an offer to join Lee Carsley’s England under-21 squad. “We would like to have him here but if it’s in his interests to go elsewhere then I wish him all the best.” Taking all emotion out of the decision, Parrott epitomises the attitude of a pro athlete navigating a very short career; the individual must take the most lucrative path for themselves because no club, no manager and no team-mate will take care of them when the money dries up. “He’s really quick, really, really quick and he’s a good finisher. He makes clever movements in behind and he uses the space well to be fair. I think that’s what you can expect from him,” said Parrott That’s potentially what England are expecting from him. Cannon arrived at Preston in January, netting eight times as Parrot...

Summary • England knock off 11 needed to win in just four balls • Ireland avoid innings defeat with enterprising batting on day three, but all out for 362 • Adair hits 88 off 76 balls in entertaining stand of 163 with McBrine to delay England • McCollum doesn't bat after retiring hurt on day two • Debutant Tongue picks up 5-66