AFP: Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett both compiled record-breaking centuries before debutant Josh Tongue took his first wickets in Test cricket as England continued to dominate their Ashes warm-up against Ireland yesterday second day at Lord’s. Pope’s 205, the fastest double hundred in a Test in England, and Duckett’s 182, the quickest 150 in a Test at Lord’s, were the cornerstones of a huge first innings total of 524/4 declared.
Ireland then slumped to 18/2 in their second innings before reaching 97/3 at stumps, with fast bowler Tongue, who struck twice in an over, taking all the wickets in a return of 3/27 in eight overs. Harry Tector (33 not out) and Lorcan Tucker (21 not out) held firm on a good pitch but Ireland were still 255 runs away from avoiding an innings defeat. “A hundred at Lord’s is special,” Duckett told Sky Sports. “Batting with Ollie was a breeze, really enjoyable to be at the other end watching him play.” Worcestershire quick Tongue had gone wicketless yesterday. But in another selection coup for coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes, he struck with his first ball Friday when Peter Moore was plumb lbw for 11. Five balls later, Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie – who had avoided the embarrassment of a “pair” at the Home of Cricket – was caught behind carelessly chasing a wide ball from Tongue.