(Cricket News) On the second day of the Lord’s Test, England showcased their dominance with 

a strong performance from their top-order batsmen. Ben Duckett led the charge in the morning session, accumulating runs, while Ollie Pope displayed an impressive double-century later in the day.

After declaring their innings just after tea, Ireland faced a setback as they lost PJ Moor and Andrew Balbirnie in quick succession, leaving them at 18-2. Furthermore, James McCollum had to leave the field due to an injury. However, Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector exhibited commendable batting skills, allowing Ireland to reach 97-3 against England by the end of the day.

England’s batsmen capitalized on their advantage, swiftly erasing the 20-run deficit from the previous day and building a substantial lead. Duckett achieved his first century on home soil, followed shortly by Pope reaching his half-century. The lead continued to grow at a rapid pace.

As the sun emerged and the morning cloud dissipated, the Ireland bowlers struggled against the relentless onslaught. Duckett and Pope intensified their scoring rate before the break, with Duckett surpassing 150 runs and Pope nearing his century. Their partnership crossed the 200-run mark, enabling England to reach the break with a lead of 153, having scored an impressive 173 runs in the session.

Pope achieved his century with a quick single early in the session, while Duckett continued to attack. However, a bowling change brought about the breakthrough for Ireland as Duckett’s thick inside edge dislodged his off stump, leading to his dismissal at 182 runs.

The entrance of Joe Root initially brought a period of stability for England, but he and Pope soon accelerated once again. Root swiftly surpassed 150 runs, and their partnership approached the century mark rapidly.

By tea, Pope was on the verge of a double-century, and England’s lead had extended to 331. However, the game took a swift turn after the break. Root was bowled by McBrine, and Pope, right after reaching his double-century, was stumped by Tucker. With a lead of 352, England’s captain decided to recall his batsmen.

Ireland’s opening batsmen cautiously began their innings but were soon disrupted by Josh Tongue, who claimed his first Test wicket for England by dismissing Moor lbw. In the same over, Balbirnie under-edged a delivery to Jonny Bairstow, resulting in his departure and leaving Ireland at 18-2.

Further misfortune struck Ireland when McCollum suffered an ankle injury while attempting to play a short ball from Tongue. Paul Stirling took his place but fell victim to Tongue’s bowling, getting dismissed 45 minutes before the scheduled end of play.

Tucker and Tector, determined not to yield further, held their ground and steered Ireland through the remaining overs without any more damage. Their resilience put pressure back on England. Ireland will resume their innings the following day, trailing by 255 runs with seven wickets in hand.

Also Read: Mumbai name big guns like Rohit, Surya in 35-probable list for off-season training camp