Relay Paceman Tim Murtagh said he was “overjoyed” after being on Lord of the Honors on the opening day of the four-day test against England.
In the first session on Wednesday, July 24th, England lost only 23.4 overs on a tight 85th – just ten days after being named world champion in the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 at the same venue.
85 ALL OUT!
— ICC (@ICC) July 24, 2019
It's been a dreamlike morning for Ireland. Five wickets for the brilliant Murtagh, three for Adair and Rankin with two.
FOLLOW #ENGvIRE 👇 https://t.co/fyHbjx2IoF pic.twitter.com/qNVtXl40VX
With his 5/13, Murtagh was the first Irishman to contest a five-for-test. It was also the most economical five-door train of a bowler in a cricket home test.
“I’m not sure what happened in the last two hours, to be honest,” Murtagh told Sky Sports at lunch time. “Obviously, the dream is to just play here, but to stand on this honor board, and for all bowlers who want to get in and really do well, it’s a fantastic first session for us.”
Murtagh, who has been playing for Middlesex for more than a decade, is familiar with the surface of the Lord. “I should know how to bowl on this ground, I’ve been here long enough to know how to bowl there!” he said.
“But the most important thing was just getting out, trying to make the pitch work a bit, finding a bit of squeezing in both directions and a bit of momentum. “Everything felt very good today, the ball came out well and broke away a bit from the wicket.
A standing ovation around Lord’s for @tjmurtagh following an outstanding spell of bowling this morning!#BackingGreen ☘️ pic.twitter.com/Vm2nwcniZa
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) July 24, 2019
“I did not think I’d be on the away table when I started playing, but I’ll take it anywhere,” he added. “It’s a dream for every cricketer playing a friendly here, so I’m just overjoyed.”
After a successful morning session Ireland scored 207 with 122 lead. England, who played a duel before the end of the match, will return to 0 on the second day with night watchman Jack Leach and kicker Rory Burns in the middle.
