Tim Murtagh revels in ‘dream’ Ireland performance

The 37-year-old Murtagh enjoyed a stunning first Test outing at his Middlesex home ground, shocking hosts England by taking five wickets for just 13 runs. London-born Murtagh represented England Under-19s, but has stepped up at senior level with Ireland - and ripped through the home side on the first morning of the four-day Lord’s Test.

“I’m not quite sure what’s happened the last two hours to be honest,” Murtagh told Sky Sports.

“It’s just a dream to perform like that and to have my name up there on the honours board.

“I should know how to bowl on this ground, that was key, to get it up there and let the pitch do a little bit of work.”

Murtagh claimed the prized scalps of openers Rory Burns and Jason Roy, with Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes all following.

England crashed back to earth with a bump after their World Cup-winning exploits, with Murtagh at the centre of all things positive for Ireland. Mark Adair bagged three for 32, with Boyd Rankin also stealing a brace. Joe Denly top-scored for England with 23, with only Sam Curran on 18 and Olly Stone on 19 joining him in reaching double figures.

Admitting he never expected to trouble the away side of Lord’s famed honours board, Murtagh revealed he would let himself enjoy the early lunch.

“To be honest I didn’t think I’d be on the away board when I first started playing, but I’ll take it wherever it goes,” said Murtagh. “It’s a dream for any cricketer to have their name up on that board.”

Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland hailed the players’ performance saying: “What an amazing day – firstly for those eleven players that went out on the field today, and secondly for the many, many fans of Irish cricket around the world, particularly the thousands that came to Lord’s and gave the atmosphere that distinctly bubbly, Irish flavour.”