Willey shines as England thump Ireland

Willey shines as England thump Ireland

Southampton, July 31: David Willey celebrated his return to the England team with a maiden oneday international fivewicket haul as the world champions drew first blood in the Royal London series against Ireland at the Ageas Bowl.

In England’s first home ODI since winning their first 50-over World Cup, Willey’s 5-30 restricted Ireland to 172 all out in 44.4 overs, a total the hosts overhauled with six wickets to spare.

England had lurched to 78-4 but Sam Billings, included after Joe Denly’s withdrawal due to a back injury, settled the team’s nerves with a 67 not out off 54 deliveries in an unbroken 96-run stand with Eoin Morgan.

England got over the line with 22.1 overs still remaining at the start of a three-ODI series that marks the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, forming part of the qualification process for India 2023.

After the players took a knee to support Black Lives Matter, Ireland were saved from free fall by international debutant Curtis Campher, a South African-born all-rounder who qualifies through his mother’s passport.

The 21-year-old showed no lack of patience and fortitude in his 59 not out from 118 balls in front of the vast swathes of empty seats, before Willey returned to the attack and ended the innings.

Campher had accounted for Tom Banton for South

Africa’s Under-19 side a couple of years ago and history repeated itself when the Somerset batsman top-edged a pull, with Ireland wicketkeeper Tucker taking a challenging catch. Morgan had demoted himself to six but came to the crease to

join Billings, who twice reverse swept Singh for four and seemed more confident on a surface that had given his toporder teammates trouble. A crisp pull for his ninth four took him to a 41-ball 50 before Morgan (36no) thumped Singh back over his head to finish the game in style.

BRIEF SCORES

■ Ireland 172 in 44.4 overs (Curtis Campher 59 n.o; David Willey 5/30) lost to England 174/4 in 27.5 overs (Sam Billings 67 n.o, Eoin Morgan 36 n.o).

— AFP England’s David Willey runs in to bowl during the first One Day International cricket match against Ireland at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, Southwest England on Thursday. England beat Ireland by 6 wickets.