WORCESTERSHIRE bowler Josh Tongue played his part on debut as England enjoyed a successful start to the pre-Ashes test with Ireland at Lord's.

Before the game started, Tongue was joined on the pitch with his parents, brother, partner and his young son as he received his England cap from Jimmy Anderson.

It was an impressive first spell for Tongue, who shipped just 18 runs from his first six overs in international test cricket. Three of those overs were maidens.

He was then brought back into the attack in the afternoon where he bowled another seven overs. Despite not being able to find his first wicket for his country, the 25-year-old impressed with his pace and only conceded 40 runs off his 13 overs.

Worcester News: Josh Tongue's first two overs in an England shirt were maidensJosh Tongue's first two overs in an England shirt were maidens (Image: PA)

It was a ruthless start from England and Stuart Broad in particular, who took three early wickets in the first seven overs to dimiss Peter Moor (10), Andrew Balbirnie (0) and Harry Tector (0). 

James McCollum and Paul Stirling stabilised the innings with a 45-run partnership to take them from 19-3 to 64-3 before the latter was caught trying to sweep a Jack Leach delivery for 30 just before lunch. 

Opener McCollum had played patiently through the first session but did not last long after the restart as he edged broad through to Joe Root for 36 off 108 deliveries to leave Ireland 98-5. 

Wickets then fell at regular intervals as Lorcan Tucker was LBW to Leach for 18 before Andy McBrine added 19 off 23 before he was caught by Jonny Bairstow off Matthew Potts. 

Broad completed his five-for when bowling Mark Adair for 14, Leach bowled Curtis Campher for 33 and the innings was wrapped up when Fionn Hand was caught for 1 as Ireland closed on 172.

England's openers of Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley were racing along at the time of print in response at 66 without loss.