England’s Test against Ireland hangs in the balance despite night-watchman Jack Leach making 92 at Lord’s.
Leach’s second-wicket stand of 145 with Jason Roy, who hit 72, looked to have nullified the damage of England being 85 all out in their first innings.
But Leach, missing out on becoming the first England night-watchman to make a Test century, was part of a collapse of 4-23 and 7-77.
At 248-8, England were just 126 ahead, only for Sam Curran to launch an audacious counter-attack of 37 from 21 balls.
With Stuart Broad also battling to 21 not out, England had reached 303-9 – a lead of 181 – when the threat of lightning, and then rain, ended the second day’s play.
It sets up an intriguing finale, when Ireland – playing in only their third Test – will have the opportunity to pull off one of the greatest shocks of all time.
Even if England do not add any further runs on Friday morning, the chase on a slow pitch and in conditions offering movement will be a tricky one.
Still, should England’s bowlers save them once more, it will not mask the disappointment of such a substandard performance just a week before the Ashes begin. (BBC Sport)