Joe Root's first Ashes century in eight years provided calm amid the storm as England and Australia traded blows in a high-octane opening day at the first Test.
England captain Ben Stokes pointed to Stuart Broad's "incredible" record against Australia as the chief reason the veteran seamer got the nod over Mark Wood for the first Ashes Test.
England have favoured Stuart Broad's experience over Mark Wood's raw pace for the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, naming their playing XI two days early in a show of confidence.
Debutant Josh Tongue claimed five wickets to help England beat Ireland inside three days at Lord's, but only after a record 163-run partnership between tailenders Mark Adair and Andy McBrine.
England are on the verge of a first victory of the home summer after record-breaking innings by Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett almost saw Ireland defeated inside two days at Lord's.
England captain Ben Stokes can feel the excitement building ahead of the Ashes and is in no doubt over the long-term future of Test cricket.