Roy’s the best man to partner old pal Burns

across to the red-ball arena in much the same way they were for Aussie David Warner.

“If Jase goes out and plays the way he does and makes good decisions, we’ve seen, particularly over the last two years, what a wonderful player he is,” said Burns.

“I don’t think there’s any reason why he can’t translate his white-ball form to his redball form.

“He has matured as a player and he will probably get to leave a couple of balls now, which will be nice for him.

“I think you’d be hard pushed to find a more naturally talented batsman. Even growing up as a kid you saw Jason strike the ball and do things other kids couldn’t do. Over the last couple of years you’ve seen him rein it in, understand his game a bit more and piece it all together.”

It might be a four-day Test against Ireland in which England’s players are expected to fill their boots, but Burns and Roy will be weary of the threat from one of their own.

Ireland’s opening bowler Tim Murtagh started off at Surrey before crossing the river to become a Middlesex stalwart and will know the conditions at Lord’s better than anyone. “He might have an Ireland shirt on but it’s his ground,” said Burns – a quarter Irish on his dad’s side. He’s a wily bowler. He’s always there stump to stump asking questions with the red ball.”

JAMES ANDERSON is set to miss the Test against Ireland to give him the best chance to recover from a calf-muscle tear in time for the start of the Ashes a week on Thursday.

As a result, Lewis Gregory and Olly Stone may both join Roy in making their debuts.