England was brought back to earth in the ongoing one-off Test against Ireland at the Lord”s. Ireland wrapped up the Englishmen for mere 85 runs in the first innings and Three Lion”s batting coach Graham Thorpe says there are no excuses for the poor show.
This was England”s shortest innings at home- being bowled out in 23.4 overs. Joe Denly hit 23 while Sam Curran and Olly Stone managed to get to double figures. Playing just his third Test match for the national side, Tim Murtagh rattled the English batters and returned with a five-for to grace the honour”s board at the Lord”s.
Thorpe admitted to the fact that the long and energy-soaking World Cup campaign has drained the batteries of the players. But he is surprised and disappointed to see the dramatic collapse.
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“We can”t run away from today”s performance,” Thorpe said. “And we can”t make excuses. There are no real excuses for us being bowled out for 85 against Ireland. It”s been a bad day. I”m very surprised and disappointed.” Thorpe said.
Mentally drained players show World Cup hangover
Five of the limited-overs cricketers were part of the Test side and they contributed to an overall seven runs. “It was a tough tournament, no doubt about it. And I don”t think there”s any harm in admitting where some of our players are [mentally].
There aren”t too many sports where you win a World Cup and are playing again a week later. We have to accept that some players are in maybe a different headspace to others. That”s natural and totally understandable.” he added.
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With the bat, Ireland proved to be no walk-overs as they posted 207 runs on the board and currently enjoys a lead of 122 runs. Pacer Stuart Broad, debutant Olly Stone and Sam Curran scalped three wickets apiece.