BEFORE THE main course of the Ashes, we have the amuse-bouche that is England’s four-day Test against Ireland.
You can bet Ireland will not be viewing Wednesday as a warmup – this is only their third-ever Test match after all and their first at the home of cricket.
But for England there is an escapable feeling that this clash falls between two stools.
With the dust still not quite settled on that famous World Cup win and with the Ashes on the horizon – England could be forgiven for having their heads elsewhere.
Indeed, both Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler have been given the week off while Mark Wood’s side strain rules him out.
Jofra Archer becomes possibly the first man to be rested from a Test match before he has even played one.
He was nursing a side problem at the back end of the World Cup and how much of a role he plays in the Ashes remains to be seen.
He is currently on holiday back in Barbados, but that just means that England have the chance to bring in some new faces.
The name on most people’s lips on Wednesday on the walk to the ground will undoubtedly be Jason Roy.
The Surrey star was at his belligerent best in the World Cup, averaging north of 60 at the top of the order with Jonny Bairstow and now looks set to be given his chance as a red-ball opener – alongside county teammate Rory Burns most likely.
The 28-year-old Roy has only played three first-class games since 2017 – and opened the batting in none of those.
But Ed Smith is prone to a punt when it comes to selections – see Buttler, Jos last year for proof.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 21, 2019-Ausgabe von The Cricket Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 21, 2019-Ausgabe von The Cricket Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.