Paul Stirling warmed up in style for Ireland’s Test showdown with England as he helped himself to a century in their three-day clash with Essex at Chelmsford.
Stirling, who made 107, was ably assisted by Lorcan Tucker with the pair putting on 175 for the sixth wicket to help the tourists reach 419 after they had slumped to 65 for five.
They finished day two back in the field and leading by 17 runs having made early in-roads with the game finely poised ahead of Thursday’s date at Lord’s.
