I don't actually think there was anything wrong with the pitch. The wicket was a bit green at first, but didn't really do anything extreme. Ireland bowled well and England batted atrociously. England 350 for 5 at close tomorrow.
I’ve just seen the highlights and England batted atrociously, a lot of them were witless. They need Boycott back to coach how to play a basic defensive shot. Really poor. The pitch didn’t look too bad to me, helped the bowlers, but they are not the Windies c 1980.
I'm at work today so not watching, but they were just saying on the radio that Leach has looked a better batsman than Burns this morning. Sure enough, Burns has now gone.
Burns was out to a truly disgraceful shot, poking at a ball that he should have left or cut for four. Leach has his 50.
Who'd have thought that the match would be so perfectly poised with England just 181 in front with the last wicket pair together. I still think Ireland may struggle getting such a small target, Leach and Moeen may hold the key...
My inferior weather forecast predicts thunderstorms tomorrow. Probably a washout. Where's the irony emoji?
So many Lord's pitches produce low scoring games these days. Not necessarily a bad thing but it isn't what it was. If Anderson was playing I wouldn't give Ireland a prayer in their second innings.
Ireland 36-9. Bit silly this match. Would be good for our batsmen for them to be facing Broad and Woakes for the rest of the day out in the middle.
