Broad fires Ashes warning as England boss Ireland

For all the talk of England's new young bowling attack, it was the experienced hand of Stuart Broad who provided the magic touch on the first day of the international summer against Ireland at Lord's.

- SONIA TWIGG

Broad took five for 51 to put his name on the honours board for the third time at the home of cricket, and the first since 2013, in England’s only Test before the highly anticipated Ashes. Leading the attack for England, Broad ran through Ireland’s top order, as they were rapidly reduced to 19 for three at the start of the day. The tourists eventually rebounded to make 172, with England finishing the day on 152 for one in reply.

Whenever Broad stands at the top of his mark, in this case the pavilion end on a cold overcast morning at the start of the day’s play, there is always a sense that something could happen. While James Anderson has been undoubtedly the more consistent, Broad can produce moments of magic. The iconic Ashes eight for 15 against Australia at Trent Bridge in 2015 comes easily into the mind, as does the last time he was on the honours board, with seven for 44 against New Zealand in 2013.