Trescothick and Harmison tame Ireland

ENGLAND relied on their established players rather than their newcomers to ensure a comfortable victory in their inaugural one-day international against Ireland.

Aiming for a dominant performance prior to the start of their one-day series against Sri Lanka, England were hoping their new-look side would respond to the historic first meeting between the two sides.

But instead of debutants Ed Joyce, Jamie Dalrymple and Glen Chapple seizing their opportunity, it was the more experienced members of England’s line-up who were the main contributors to their 38-run victory at Stormont.

Marcus Trescothick, playing his first one-day international in six months, guided England to 301 for seven after dominating the innings with a superb 113 off 114 balls.

Having recorded a competitive total, England then relied on the experience of Steve Harmison to overcome a rocky start on his return to international cricket and end Ireland’s unlikely hopes of claiming a shock triumph.

Dublin-born Joyce was given the first opportunity to impress on an emotional debut against an Ireland side who included brother Dominick.

But having got away with one mis-timed pull which flew over mid on for four, he attempted another and top-edged to midwicket for 10 to disappoint his watching family.

His was the first of three wickets to fall in eight overs as Ireland surprised their illustrious opponents.

Chasing a competitive total, Ireland suffered a dismal start with Harmison inducing Dominick Joyce into playing on during an opening over which included 10 wides.

Struggling to find the right line on his first England appearance since the second Test against India at Mohali last March, Harmison conceded 29 runs in his opening four-over burst.

But after Sajid Mahmood had opener Jeremy Bray caught at backward point, Harmison returned for a second burst to claim wickets in successive overs and virtually end Ireland’s challenge.

Kyle McCallan edged Harmison behind in his first over back in the attack and then Johnston was surprised by a lifting delivery which he guided tamely to backward point.

Harmison’s burst was all the more important after Chapple, who had delivered a promising opening spell of 4-0-14-0, left the field with an abdominal strain and never returned.

At 127 for five with over half of their overs gone, Ireland never looked like overhauling England’s total but a determined stand of 74 from 15 overs between Andrew White and Kevin O’Brien at least took them closer to the target.