England hold off Ireland to avenge WCup loss

England avenged their World Cup defeat against Ireland with an 11-run victory over the hosts in yesterday’s rain-affected one-day international at Clontarf. The Irish were eyeing another famous win over England after restricting Eoin Morgan’s team to 201-8 in 42 overs. But hopes of a repeat of Ireland’s World Cup victory in Bangalore in March were washed away by the constant drizzle that disrupted the hosts’ chances of establishing any momentum. After two rain interruptions during the Irish innings the target was reduced to 129 from 23 overs and England were able to maintain enough control in the closing stages to secure a relatively straightforward win. Despite losing to the Irish in the World Cup, England opted to make a host of changes for this match and included three debutants in a side captained by Dubliner Eoin Morgan for the first time. England’s understudies found it hard going as new boys James Taylor and Ben Stokes made just four between them. The visitors were given a solid platform from a century stand between Morgan, who made 59, and Jonathan Trott, who top-scored for England with 69 but they failed to capitalise. John Mooney took the new ball for Ireland in the absence of the injured Trent Johnston and started well, dismissing Craig Kieswetter for 14 when the wicketkeeper edged to Niall O’Brien took a smart low catch. Taylor began his international debut with a risky single and his innings ended moments later when Boyd Rankin had him caught at mid-wicket from a mis-timed pull. There had been some unhappiness among the hosts about England’s decision to field an under-strength team. But the Irish crowd still gave a warm welcome to Morgan before rain forced the reduction in overs. Morgan hit George Dockrell for six after the resumption and brought up his 50 from 52 balls before Trott followed him to a half-century off his 78th delivery. Paul Stirling made the crucial breakthrough when the off-spinner found Morgan’s leading edge and made a diving return catch. With 10 overs remaining, England were at 139-4, with a second debutant at the crease in Stokes. The 20-year-old Durham all-rounder made just three before becoming Stirling’s second caught-and-bowled victim.