IRE vs SL: Ireland made a strong start on the first day of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Ireland in Galle. After the early dismissals of openers James McCullum and PJ Moore, skipper Andrew Balbirnie along with Paul Stirling played a blistering knock. Balbirnie took the responsibility of taking his team to a big score and scored 95 runs in 163 balls hitting 14 fours. However, he missed his maiden Test century by just 5 runs. After this, wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker, who landed at number six, scored a blistering half-century while playing brilliant innings. With this, Tucker created history in Test cricket.
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Lorcan Tucker: Became the highest run-scorer for Ireland in Tests
In fact, Lorcan Tucker has become the highest run-scorer for Ireland in Tests. His 75 brought him to 271, the most by a batsman in Tests for Ireland. Earlier, Andrew Balbirnie had reached the top with 270 runs with this innings, but Tucker went ahead of him due to his excellent batting.
With this, another record was registered in Tucker’s name. He became only the second Irish batsman to score a half-century and a century in Tests. The special thing is that Tucker is playing only his third Test.
Only two batsmen have scored centuries and half-centuries in Tests for Ireland so far
Only two batsmen have scored centuries and half-centuries in Tests for Ireland so far. These include the names of Kevin O’Brien and Lorcan Tucker. Actually, the Ireland team has played very little Test cricket so far. That’s why his batsmen have got fewer opportunities, but Balbirnie and Tucker have proved their talent in this format as well.
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143-run partnership for the fourth wicket
Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling shared a brilliant 143-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Sterling scored 74 runs in 133 balls hitting 6 fours and 3 sixes. However, Sterling was troubled by the scorching heat and had to leave the field after retiring hurt due to dehydration.
Ireland has scored 319 runs losing 4 wickets
Talking about the match, Ireland remained in a strong position till the end of the first day’s play. Ireland has scored 319 runs losing 4 wickets. Tucker is unbeaten on 78 and Curtis Campher on 27. It will be interesting to see whether Tucker can make another record by scoring a century in this match.
