James Anderson and Ollie Robinson will be fit to start in the Ashes, but will sit out against Ireland with England to test out their strength in depth.
Skipper Ben Stokes is set to play as a batter only too, even though he impressed head coach Brendon McCullum with his physique at their first training session of the summer at Lord’s.
Stokes will lead the side on Thursday with Stuart Broad, Matt Potts, and Chris Woakes the likely pace bowling attack before attentions turn to the Ashes and England’s first choice team for the oldest heavyweight battle in the game.
