England v Ireland
Wisden's review of the first ODI, England v Ireland
11-Apr-2018
At Bristol, May 5. England won by seven wickets. Toss: Ireland.
Early May is rarely a time to excite spinners but, in England's first match of the summer, Rashid defied the trend. Against an Ireland batting line-up unable to read his googly, he took five for 27, the second-best one-day figures for an England slow bowler. Rashid's success justified the decision to choose him ahead of Moeen Ali, and with Root's off-breaks collecting two for nine, Ireland were hustled out for 126 in 33 overs. Their last eight wickets fell for just 45. England were also encouraged by the form of Wood, who was back after a third ankle operation, and showed venom to bowl the dangerous Stirling. Roy fell to Chase for a five-ball duck at the start of England's reply, and Hales rode his luck en route to a 39-ball 55 containing ten fours, but Root looked in total command. Chase had the consolation of career-best figures, but victory came with 30 overs to spare, at 2.45pm, after England had been granted four overs' extra time to complete the job before the break. Embarrassed, Ireland knew they needed to do better at Lord's.
Man of the Match: A. U. Rashid.
Early May is rarely a time to excite spinners but, in England's first match of the summer, Rashid defied the trend. Against an Ireland batting line-up unable to read his googly, he took five for 27, the second-best one-day figures for an England slow bowler. Rashid's success justified the decision to choose him ahead of Moeen Ali, and with Root's off-breaks collecting two for nine, Ireland were hustled out for 126 in 33 overs. Their last eight wickets fell for just 45. England were also encouraged by the form of Wood, who was back after a third ankle operation, and showed venom to bowl the dangerous Stirling. Roy fell to Chase for a five-ball duck at the start of England's reply, and Hales rode his luck en route to a 39-ball 55 containing ten fours, but Root looked in total command. Chase had the consolation of career-best figures, but victory came with 30 overs to spare, at 2.45pm, after England had been granted four overs' extra time to complete the job before the break. Embarrassed, Ireland knew they needed to do better at Lord's.
Man of the Match: A. U. Rashid.