ENGLAND VS IRELAND, ONE-OFF TEST

Pressure is on Ireland, we've got a great chance - Jack Leach

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Jack Leach's 92 proved to be vital as England's lead went past 180. © AFP

Relying on your nightwatchman is never advisable. But England owe the lion share of their precarious 180-run lead over Ireland to Jack Leach and his remarkable 92.

To say this was a surprise is something of an understatement. Leach came into this particular innings off the back of 19 single-figure scores in first class cricket, which included four ducks. Last season, he missed the Pakistan Test series at the start of the summer after breaking his thumb while batting in the nets. Then, in his first match back, against Surrey, he was struck by a Morne Morkel bouncer which kept him out for two weeks.

"That was tough point," recalled Leach, now sat in the post-match press conference as the batting hero of day two. "It probably had a knock-on effect on my batting. I've worked hard on that and, slowly, I feel a lot more comfortable.

"So I had a couple of things with the bat. But that was last year and I've just got 92 in a Test match."

There were smatterings of good fortune throughout. He played and missed a heck of a lot - almost 30% of his shots found thin air according to CricViz - and when edges did come, he was dropped on 72 and then 92. The second life lasted just one delivery.

"I can't believe it really," said Leach. "I just went out to try and do a job for the team I guess and try and soak up some balls and make it easier for the guys comes in behind me and I guess try and build some partnerships and see what happened. It probably went a little bit further than I thought it would.

"It was good fun to be out there. It was great to bat with J-Roy (with whom he shared a 145-run stand with for the second wicket). He gave me a lot of confidence and allowed me to just play the way I wanted to play. We had a nice partnership so that was pleasing. And I think we've got a good chance in this game - that's what we wanted from this day."

With one-wicket remaining, day three is set to be a compelling affair as Ireland hunt for glory. Leach, who will likely finish as England's top-scorer in this match barring some miracle from either Stuart Broad (21*) or Olly Stone (0*) believes the position of favourites could cause Ireland untold pressure.

"I think actually there is pressure on Ireland. It's the first time they've had this experience of probably being favourites to win the game. We don't need to hide away from that. But we do believe we've got a great chance. We've already talked in the dressing room about the game at Edbgaston last year against India where they were chasing 180 and came 30 short. The boys believe this is a tougher wicket than that one so we'll have big belief going into tomorrow and we'll have to bowl really well. But I think we've got a great chance."

© Cricbuzz

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