England v Ireland: Test match, day three – live

Key events

I am at least two days behind with my hat observations – apologies, blaming half term.

Emma John’s lovely piece just got a shout out by Athers during a mini Cricket Writers on TV section in front of the Lord’s pavilion.

Great to see new faces Sonia Twigg of the Independent and Nathan Johns of the Irish Times alongside Mike Atherton and Mark Butcher.

Hello Nick Way, whose email is titled “Bucket Hats.”

“With these bucket hats harking back to the 1990s, perhaps it should be renamed Bezball.”

Very good!

MadferBaz/Bez Photograph: Hayley Madden/Redferns

Injury to James McCollum

Bad news for James McCollum, injured last night, who is now wearing an orthopaedic boot and, according to a statement from Cricket Ireland, unlikely to bat.

“James underwent assessment and imaging last night at a nearby orthopaedic hospital. X-rays have revealed no fracture is present and we are awaiting on the reports from his MRI which is likely to show injury to his ligaments.

“He is currently in an orthopaedic boot and crutches and it is unlikely that he will take any further part in the match.”

Ollie Pope is being interviewed by Ian Ward. He’s very chirpy. He’s also wearing a blue England branded bucket hat. Very Madchester 1990. Is this a new bit of kit, part of the Bazball uniform? Apologies if I’ve missed something.

Preamble

Good morning! So we made made it to day three – much to the relief of the MCC, team OBO, the Ireland XI and my cousin Matt, who is going to Lord’s for the first time since he was a very little boy. This has been something of a steamrollering by England, playing a second-choice(ish) bowling XI but blistering along in the same merry way.

Lots for us to enjoy though, from Ollie Pope reaching his double century with a six to Stuart Broad’s five-fer and three wickets for debutant Josh Tongue as the shadows stretched last night.

Not so fun for Ireland, but they now have a Lord’s Saturday, and presumably a full house, to bask in. Tector and Tucker have an unbroken stand of 34 under their belts. Bat out the first hour, till lunch, till drinks …

I’m off to wheeze round parkrun with a friend, in the chatting not racing section. Back with coffee half an hour or so before play starts at 11am BST. See you then!