Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
England vs Ireland Test Preview Dream11. ENG vs IRE Test Preview Dream11 Prediction
Test Cricket. Beautiful Test Cricket. After five long months of white-ball cricket – as much as your eyeballs can handle (including the greatest ODI of all-time), cricket’s oldest format makes a return at the Home of Cricket.
However, it might be as more of an adjustment for players than fans. England, recently crowned World Champions, will be tasked with getting straight into Test-mode after months of limited overs cricket. Jason Roy highlighted it perfectly, tweeting amid the celebrations that red-ball practice is needed, ahead of a four-day Test against opposition looking to make a big impression.
What an opportunity this is for Ireland. It can be argued that they haven’t always received the opportunities their cricket has warranted over the years. However, playing the first Test of an English summer is a great chance to impress, and they will come up against a side that has to make the significant shift from white-ball euphoria to red-ball grind. Can Ireland cause England significant problems?
Key to an England win
How well will England adjust to the Test format? There are quite a few new faces compared to the ODI side with the likes of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler rested, so those who have been in the County circuit need to lead the way. Rory Burns, promising in West Indies earlier this year, needs to play a breakthrough innings in Test Cricket ahead of the Ashes. Jason Roy, a hero of England’s World Cup campaign, will also be key in making a mark in the longest format, and how he handles the moving ball will be interesting to see. Also, with England possessing a number of all-rounders, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow will be crucial in leading the way as the premier batsmen in the side.
Indeed, the change of format could have meant the return of England’s most successful bowling combination. However, James Anderson is set to be ruled out with a calf injury. So, Stuart Broad will be tasked with challenging Ireland’s batsmen up front. However, who will support him effectively? Chris Woakes had an excellent finish to the World Cup, but like the batsmen, must adapt well to the Test format. Then, Lewis Gregory, likely to be given a chance, will be tasked with replicating his County form alongside the likes of Sam Curran who was superb against India last year.
Key to an Ireland win
The Irish have also had their fair share of white-ball cricket in recent months. Their last Test, in India against Afghanistan, was of significant contrast to what they will face at Lord’s. William Porterfield, Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie will be tasked with weathering the early movement to set things up for Ireland. Can they ensure Ireland are not two or three down too early in the absence of James Anderson? Then, can the likes of Kevin O’Brien in the middle build on it?
However, Ireland’s biggest opportunity lies with the ball. You get the feeling if they can handle their own with the bat, their bowlers have it in them to keep them in the contest. England’s line-up possesses both Test inexperience and a big dose of recent white-ball cricket. Can Tim Murtagh, so experienced in English conditions, crash the World Cup after-party? Will Boyd Rankin and the remaining bowlers bowl with the control required of them? England can’t afford to take this one lightly, as Ireland can pounce.
Pitch and conditions
London is bracing for its hottest conditions in years. Mid-30 degrees will be the temperature throughout the Test, with some rain possible on Friday. The Lord’s pitch offered the most assistance to bowlers in the World Cup, and with some recent rain in London, the pitch will have something in it for the bowlers early. Not a bad toss to lose?
Possible Playing 11
England have confirmed their playing 11.
England: 1. Rory Burns, 2. Jason Roy, 3. Joe Denly, 4. Joe Root (c), 5. Jonny Bairstow (wk), 6. Moeen Ali, 7. Sam Curran, 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Stuart Broad, 10. Olly Stone, 11. Jack Leach
Ireland, like England, could look at playing bowling all-rounders down the order for batting cover.
Ireland: 1. William Porterfield (c), 2. Paul Stirling, 3. Andy Balbirnie, 4. James McCollum, 5. Kevin O’Brien, 6. Gary Wilson (wk), 7. Mark Adair, 8. Stuart Thompson, 9. George Dockrell, 10. Boyd Rankin, 11. Tim Murtagh
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
Option 2:
Stats and Facts
- This will be the first Test match between England and Ireland.
- England have not played a Test since February, where they picked up a consolation win vs West Indies.
- Jason Roy and Rory Burns will be England’s 16th Test opening combination since Andrew Strauss retired in 2012.
- Ireland pushed both Pakistan and Afghanistan at times in their only Tests, but ultimately fell short.
Match Prediction
It is great to have Test Cricket back.
Ireland will keen to make a great impression. If their batting holds up, we could be in for an interesting game. However, England, at home, will have a little too much in the locker (even though Anderson is out) with the likes of Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes keen to hit form ahead of the Ashes.
Thanks for reading!
