Resistance of Ireland tail-enders ensures England must bat again at Lord’s

Mark Adair and Andy McBrine  upped the ante after lunch, launching astonishing attacks on Stuart Broad and Jack Leach before Matthew Potts bounced out number nine Adair for 88 after 12 fours and two sixes.

Mark Adair hit a superb 88 to help Ireland avoid an innings defeat to England at Lord’s. Pic: John Walton/PA

Tail-enders Mark Adair and Andy McBrine produced their own version of ‘Bazball’ with a record-breaking 163-run partnership for Ireland in Test cricket to help them avoid an innings defeat against England at Lord’s.

Predictions before day three started ranged from whether England would have victory wrapped up by lunch or by the time the FA Cup final got under way at 3pm.