England vs Ireland, 1st ODI - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: Ireland tour of England, 2020 Venue: The Rose Bowl, Southampton Date & Time: Jul 30, 02:00 PM LOCAL

Jason Roy will look to start the season with a bang © Getty

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Morgan, Willey show

Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings shared an unbeaten partnership of 96 to pilot England to a comfortable six-wicket victory versus Ireland in the first match of the three-game ODI rubber in Southampton. David Willey also played a key role in England's convincing win by picking up his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs, as the hosts began their Cricket World Cup Super League campaign on the right note.

In pursuit of a modest target of 173, England lost wickets at regular intervals and found themselves in a spot of bother at 78 for 4. Andy McBrine, the off-spinner, made the initial incision when he dismissed Jonny Bairstow LBW. The loud appeal for the LBW was turned down. However, Ireland placed their belief in the review system and got it reversed. Jason Roy, his opening partner, played with freedom as he slog-swept McBrine for a six. He also took on Craig Young by collecting a couple of boundaries.

Young, though, had the last laugh when he trapped Roy plumb in front. The aggressive opener paid the price for getting caught in the crease. Despite losing a couple of wickets, the home side's batsmen continued to deal in boundaries. James Vince, in particular, cracked elegant drives and flicks before he wafted at a length delivery and was caught behind. Curtis Campher, who had already made an impact in the game with a well-measured unbeaten 59, also gave a glimpse of his ability with the ball in hand by removing Tom Banton.

The middle-order batsman was hurried by a short of a length delivery from the all-rounder, and edged it to the 'keeper. Incidentally, Campher had also dismissed Banton at the Under-19 level. At that stage, Morgan and Billings joined forces to steady the innings.

The pair employed the reverse sweep to good effect. Billings also cracked the occasional cut and flick to keep the scorecard ticking over. Morgan, eventually, provided the finishing touches by tonking Simi Singh for a six. Meanwhile, Billings ended up with his highest score in ODIs.

England inch closer...

Morgan and Billings cracked trademark reverse sweeps off Simi Singh and McBrine, as England inched closer. After the wobble at the start of the innings, the duo of Morgan and Billings have steadied the innings. Just over 30 more runs needed now.

42 0

Soft dismissal

Oh, that is a soft dismissal. Paul Stirling has clipped one straight to Morgan at midwicket. Stirling has been in fine form in the recent past, but misses out today.

David Willey, who is making a comeback into the side, would grab the wicket with both hands.

Toss and Teams

England have elected to bowl. The current 50-over World Champions tend to prefer chasing. However, without some of their key players, England's depth would be tested. Meanwhile, Harry Tector and Curtis Campherare making their debut for Ireland.

Interestingly, the experienced pros - Porterfield and Rankin - aren't playing. Ireland looking towards the future.

Ireland (Playing XI): Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie(c), Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Kevin O Brien, Lorcan Tucker(w), Curtis Campher, Simi Singh, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young

England (Playing XI): Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow(w), James Vince, Eoin Morgan(c), Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Moeen Ali, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Tom Curran, Saqib Mahmood

Build Up:

After a long hiatus, ODI cricket is back, with England taking on Ireland in Southampton in the first game of the three-match series. However, because of the constantly evolving Covid-19 situation, the matches would be playing behind closed-doors.

Due to the hectic schedule, the hosts have decided to rest the likes of Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Joe Root and co. In their absence, Topley, Saqib Mahmood, James Vince, Tom Banton, Sam Billings and a few others have the opportunity to make their presence felt.

What about Ireland? Andrew Balbirnie, who was named Ireland's captain last year, would hope for a good show from his team. The experienced campaigners - William Porterfield, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling and Barry McCarthy - are some of the key members of the side.

Unfortunately, Ireland would miss out on the services of Mark Adair, as he is still struggling with an ankle problem. Stirling too has been laid low by a calf strain, but is expected to play.

The first ODI between the two sides is also the first match in the Cricket World Cup Super League. Meanwhile, the ICC has made a crucial change to the playing conditions, with the third umpire monitoring all front-foot no-balls.

You can check out our preview for the first ODI.

Here's something on Boyd Rankin's journey from a promising paceman to mentoring the current crop of Ireland's quick bowlers.

Meanwhile, Andrew Balbirnie opens up on the challenges and opportunities for Ireland cricket.