England crush Ireland by 10 wickets in one-off test

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge LONDON, June 3 (Reuters) - England thrashed Ireland by 10 wickets in the one-off test at Lord's on Saturday, but the visitors salvaged some pride with a brave batting effort on the third day.

England effectively bowled Ireland out for 172 in their first innings, securing a huge lead of 352 runs after Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett scored big centuries on Friday.

Resuming on 97-3, Harry Tector scored 51 off 98 balls before being bowled by Josh Tongue's fourth wicket of the innings.

Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher also fell before lunch, leaving Ireland reeling.

Andy McBrine and Mark Adair launched an effective counter-attack, scoring 163 runs off 165 balls, the highest-ever test partnership for Ireland.

Matthew Potts broke the stand when Adair was bowled by Tongue's fifth wicket.

McBrine battled on, scoring 86 not out, but Fionn Hand became Tongue's fifth scalp as Ireland were bowled out for 219.

Chasing a paltry target of 11, England opener Zak Crawley hit Adair for three boundaries in four balls to seal England's 11th win in 13 tests.

England now focus on the Ashes series against Australia, which begins at Edgbaston on June 16.

England named an unchanged squad for the first two tests of the five-match series, with Tongue retaining his place after his impressive showing against Ireland.

England captain Ben Stokes said the win against Ireland gave them a good insight into conditions for the Ashes series.

"Ireland could have easily got further ahead of us with less