Ireland vs England: Quick flicks

Porterfield soldiers on

It’s a very difficult task when you are opening the innings for your team and are also the one in charge of it on the field. But William Porterfield managed it with poise and dignity.

The southpaw scored a superb century as he went about resurrecting the innings after former teammate Boyd Rankin had rocked the top order with his pace and accuracy. He kept the scoreboard ticking, forging useful partnerships with Niall O’Brien and John Mooney, and occasionally got the odd boundary in between – he hit Rankin for a towering six over mid-wicket to reach the three-figure mark.

He would have loved to see former captain Trent Johnston – playing his last ODI – sign off with a win, but Morgan and Bopara denied him that. Nevertheless, it was a fine innings from the captain, despite ending up second-best in the contest.