London, July 26 -- Nightwatchman Jack Leach stayed around for much of the second day with a career-best 92 as England fought back against Ireland at Lord's in their one-off test before collapsing again.

England ended Thursday on 303-9 in its second innings after 77.4 overs - a lead of 181 with one wicket left - after lightning and rain ended play with Ireland still threatening to pull off one of test cricket's biggest-ever upsets.

With the game so finely poised all three results remained on the table after Leach came to England's rescue. The left-hander vaulted from No. 11 to an emergency role at the head of the innings late on day one and went on to share a stand of 145 with debutant Jason Roy, who scored an attacking 72.

By the time ...