NOW I KNOW ABOUT NERVOUS 90s

long.’ The 28-year-old from Somerset was picked by England for his left-arm spin. ‘I can’t believe it,’ he added. ‘I just went out to try to do a job for the team, soak up some balls and see what happened. It probably went a bit further than I thought. I know now that the nervous nineties are definitely a thing. ‘You think you’re only two shots away and start having some weird thoughts. ‘It was hot as well, and I had cramp in my forearm and quad at lunchtime. I was telling myself not to think about the hundred, which made me think about it. I’ll learn from that next time — if I get the chance.’ Leach’s father, Simon, had planned a trip to Lord’s to watch his son play his first home Test, only to stay at home as temperatures in the capital soared. Leach (left) believes the pressure is now on Ireland as they prepare for a potentially historic fourth-innings run-chase. ‘It’s the first time they’ve had this experience of being favourites,’ he said. ‘We believe we’ve got a great chance.’ During commentary for Sky,

Sportsmail’s Nasser Hussain blasted England’s batting. ‘The problem with this England Test side is that their answer when under pressure is always: “Let’s take the attacking option”. Who has top-scored? Their nightwatchman, Jack Leach, by just staying at the crease and saying: “I will survive”. Why is it every time they are under the cosh it has to be the attacking option? What’s wrong with a bit of the over-my-dead-body option? ‘It’s day two of the Test — make them get you out.’