Positives Are Aplenty Here... For Both Sides

It’s quite rare in international cricket that both sides can come out of game with positives to draw on but that was certainly the case in the aftermath of Malahide last Friday.

- Niall O'Brien

For Ireland, it was very pleasing to see first run-outs given to the likes of Josh Little, Mark Adair and Lorcan Tucker with at least two or three acquitting themselves extremely well against an experienced England line-up looking to impress.

On the face of it, England fans would have perhaps hoped for a more clinical performance and a victory more comfortable than the four-wicket margin but I think Eoin Morgan and his side will be pleased to have avoided a potential banana skin in difficult, damp conditions.

England bowled very well with the likes of Liam Plunkett and Tom Curran doing their World Cup chances no harm at all with other names either rested or in IPL action.

And then there’s Jofra Archer, who showed in his eight overs how he shouldn’t just be considered for a place in England’s World Cup squad this summer but England’s World Cup starting eleven.