Ireland 38 for 2 are 305 runs behind Essex 343 (Das 132, Dockrell 74, Adair 62, and Mayes 6-88).
In his first-class innings, 21-year-old British-Bangladeshi batsman Robin Das scored 132 runs off 118 balls as Essex defeated Ireland at Chelmsford in their exhibition match.
Ireland’s lone match preparation before to that match is a four-day Test against England at Lord’s on June 1. They landed in England on Wednesday night, but they were unable to attend a scheduled training session on Thursday because of a delay in the delivery of their luggage.
Four members of the Ireland squad played for their opposition, notably George Dockrell and Mark Adair, who both made half-centuries from the middle order. This was possible because most of Essex’s first team was unavailable owing to T20 Blast preparations and injuries.
George Dockrell competed for Essex against his teammates from Ireland.
George Dockrell competed for Essex against his teammates from Ireland.Richard Lawrence
The Essex team’s total of 343 was supported by Das, a Brentwood School graduate who has already played as a replacement for England in Test cricket. Das reached a 101-ball century before succumbing to Andy McBrine’s offspin.
On his first-class debut, 22-year-old seamer Thomas Mayes led the attack with 4 for 68, including the significant wicket of acting Essex skipper Nick Browne with his second ball.
McBrine took a beating, giving up 98 runs in his 14 overs as Essex scored nearly five runs each over throughout their first inning.
James McCollum and skipper Andy Balbirnie were removed by 19-year-old Jamal Richards, another first-class debutant, as Ireland ended the day two wickets behind.
Paul Stirling will join the team in Chelmsford before the second day of the match after missing the first day due to commitments with the Birmingham Bears in the T20 Blast.
