ENG vs IRE one-off Test: Ireland scent hope as England collapse again at Lord's

Ireland moved within sight of a remarkable test win over England as they reduced the hosts to 303-9 in their second innings at Lord's on Thursday to trail by 181 at the end of day two.

After the mayhem of the first day when England were skittled for 85 and 20 wickets fell, the World Cup champions appeared to have seized control when they reached 171 for one early on another sweltering afternoon.

But they lost seven wickets for 77 runs as Ireland, playing in only their third test match ever and first against England, hit back with Mark Adair taking three wickets.

Sam Curran (37) and Stuart Broad (21 not out) frustrated Ireland's hopes with a counter-attack before flashes of lightning forced the umpires to take the players off.

Ireland, who lost their only two previous matches since gaining test status in 2017, will need to take the last England wicket early on Friday before setting about chasing the total. 

Ireland rocked England after nightwatchman Jack Leach fell just short of what would have been a remarkable Test hundred. Leach made 92, his highest first-class score, after being sent in as a nightwatchman on Wednesday.

Leach and Test debutant Jason Roy, who made 72, put on 145 for the second wicket. But from 171-1, England lost four wickets for 23 runs as they slumped to194-5.