Pope hits heavenly new heights with double ton as England pile on the runs

Ben Stokes had seen enough. Once Ollie Pope was stumped the very next ball after sealing the fastest Test double-century on English soil with a six, the captain called time on an innings as one-sided as Blackadder’s fictional battle of Mboto Gorge and Ireland’s batting lineup was sent back into the bright sunshine at Lord’s.

Faced with a deficit of 352 runs, still dizzied by the 524 for four England amassed through Pope’s 208-ball 205 and Ben Duckett’s 182 from 178, the visitors held as firm as they could, reaching 97 for three at stumps. This looks likely to be four down in effect, however, opener James McCollum forced to retire hurt after getting his studs caught in the pitch while evading a short ball and twisting his ankle.

This eye-watering injury came amid a fiery eight-over spell from Josh Tongue that delivered all three strikes and underlined the debutant’s promise. Peter Moor was pinned in front by a full ball for 11 and a maiden Test wicket, while Andy Balbirnie nicked off in the same over to the shot of a distracted captain. When Paul Stirling was out on review, struggling to evade a short-ball to the armpit and gloving behind, England might have pondered a two-day finish in a Test match scheduled for just four.

Instead a three-dayer beckons, Harry Tector, 33 not out, and Lorcan Tucker, on 21, offering stout resistance and the odd touch of class before the close. England, in full control, will no doubt be booking tee times for Sunday, an early start to the heavy diet of golf that comes between now and the first Ashes Test on 16 June.

This was a remarkable day of runs and despite the lack of a contest, the spectators appeared happy enough. Duckett added 101 to his overnight 60 before lunch, while Pope, 97 not