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'Also won IPL without doing anything' - Fans react to Ben Stokes' rare captaincy feat after England thrash Ireland in one-off Test

Ben Stokes achieved a rare captaincy feat after England thrashed Ireland by 10 wickets in one-off Test at Lord's.

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Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes (Source: Twitter)

Ben Stokes Ben Stokes (Source: Twitter)

England Test captain Ben Stokes created history on Saturday by leading his team to a 10-wicket victory over Ireland despite not contributing with either bat or ball. Stokes became the first Test captain in history to win a match without batting, bowling or wicket-keeping as England thrashed their neighbours inside three days at Lord's in London.

The hosts won convincingly and warmed up for the upcoming Ashes series. Meanwhile, Ireland, who are playing only their seventh test, fought far better than expected, overcoming a 352-run deficit on Day 3 to avoid an innings defeat. With England needing 11 runs to win in the second innings, Zac Crawley hit three boundaries off the first four balls to finish things off early.

Ireland were bowled out for 172 in the first innings on the back of Stuart Broad’s fifer and Jack Leach’s three-wicket haul. English batters displayed another 'Bazball' style of playing and amassed 524 in their first innings to take a massive lead. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett put on a 100+ run partnership for the first wicket before the former was dismissed for 56 off 45 balls.

Duckett then stitched a 252-run partnership with the double centurion Ollie Pope to put their team well ahead in the contest. Pope hit a 207-ball double-hundred to become the fastest double-hundred hitter in England and the seventh fastest in Test cricket. Duckett also had the opportunity to slam his maiden double hundred earlier on Friday, but he was dismissed for 182 off 178 balls.

Josh Tongue's fifer breaks Irish batting line-up

After conceding a lead of 352 runs in the first innings, Ireland put up a good fight in the second innings. Their top three batters all failed, but brilliant half-centuries from Harry Tector, Andy McBrine and Mark Adair saw them post 362 runs. England seamer Josh Tongue claimed 5-66 on debut and destroyed the Irish batting line-up.

Speaking after the match, skipper Stokes said: "Thought Ireland came out and showed grit and determination. Gives us a little insight into what we might have to do against Australia. It got flatter as it went on.

"Trying to take the game on in our own way allowed us to potentially bowl them out without batting again. Ireland had to get a really good score to put us under pressure. Good test and credit to Ireland."

Here's how fans reacted: 

Ben Stokes Ireland England