Roy lacks first-class experience

England fans may expect to see Jason Roy immediately translate his World Cup form to the Test arena, but that will not be an easy task.

The man of the moment has played just three first-class games since the end of the 2017 season – two for Surrey and one for England Lions.

The 28-year-old also lacks experience as an opener in the longer formats – he generally bats at three, four or five for Surrey – but does have a decent average of 38.38.

Roy to score under 31.5 runs in the 1st innings 

Questions over Anderson fitness

England’s star bowler suffered a minor calf tear playing for Lancashire at the beginning of July and there are still doubts about his fitness despite his inclusion in the squad.

Selector Ed Smith has confirmed that Anderson is recovering well but admitted that a 13-man squad, instead of the traditional 12, has been selected with his injury in mind.

There is no way the 36-year-old will be risked if he has not made a full recovery by Wednesday, so don’t bank on him playing just yet.

Lewis Gregory is a man in form

Somerset all-rounder Gregory is enjoying a brilliant season so far in the County Championship, taking 44 wickets in just eight games at an average of just 13.88.

That run has included four five-wicket hauls and figures of 11/53 in a 10-wicket hammering of Kent at Canterbury.

He has also managed to score 363 runs at 30.25, including a 129* against Surrey, so backing him to perform looks a good bet.

Lewis Gregory to be top England bowler in the 1st innings 

Ireland have never won a Test match

Ireland were awarded Test status in 2017 and have played just two matches since then.

Their first, against Pakistan in Malahide, ended in a five-wicket defeat, although Kevin O’Brien hit their first-ever Test century with a magnificent 118.

That was followed by a seven-wicket loss against Afghanistan in India in March this year, so an upset looks to be a seriously long shot at Lord’s.

Stirling and Balbirnie are ones to watch

It’s hard to pinpoint the Ireland players who will cause England the most problems, but Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie look to be their biggest hopes.

Opening batsman Stirling is their highest run scorer in all formats over the past year and has hit three half-centuries in his last five internationals.

Balbirnie, who bats at number three, has centuries against the West Indies and Zimbabwe so far in 2019.

Paul Stirling to score over 18.5 runs in the 1st innings 

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