England vs Ireland | Growing up, I dreamt of being on that honours board, says Tim Murtagh

Murtagh is no foreigner to the mecca of cricket, having played most of his career at Lord’s based Middlesex. The 37-year-old London-born veteran who qualified to play for Ireland through his grandparents’ heritage, recently picked up his 800th first-class wicket. However, admitted that it was a whole different feeling to produce a fine spell in whites to earn a place on the honours board.

“As a kid growing up I dreamt of being on that honours board, probably not in the away dressing room – but that makes it even more special. It’s as special as it gets for a cricketer...It’s as good a feeling as I’ve had in my career,” Murtagh told AFP.

Murtagh is no speed demon. His fastest deliveries may clock 75 mph, at best. However, his consistency in line and length, and swinging the ball both ways on a green pitch, proved too much for the English. After the high of the World Cup win just 10 days ago, this was a crash landing back into reality. Murtagh picked up five for 13, while his co-bowlers Mark Adair (three for 32) and Boyd Rankin (two for 5) finished the job.

Prior to this match, Murtagh had picked up 291 wickets at the venue. So, he jokingly added: “I’m a bit long in the tooth but I should know how to bowl here!” 

Five of England’s World Cup-winning squad featured in the match, namely - Jason Roy, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes. However, between them, they managed a total of seven runs, one dropped chance, and one wicket.