IRISH SET FOR LORD’S DEBUT
ENGLAND will play their first four-day Test against Ireland next summer at Lord’s in a trial that could see more of the same. Ireland’s first Test match in England will come as a warm-up to the Ashes that will have its latest-ever game in the calendar, with the fifth Test at the Oval starting on September 12. And T20 Blast Finals day takes place even later on September 21 at Edgbaston so as not to clash with the World Cup or the Ashes – which is perhaps a sign of its new place in the pecking order with ‘The 100’ to take centre stage in 2020. Somerset left-arm spinner Jack Leach appears to be at the front of the queue to try to spin England to success against India with Moeen Ali also in line for a recall. Dom Bess played due to injury to Leach who is now recovered, while Moeen’s ability with the bat makes him more likely to feature if England go for two spinners.