Stuart Broad makes a compelling case to feature in the Ashes opener with his 20th career five-for

Stuart Broad compiled a compelling case to feature in the first Ashes Test a fortnight Friday with a wicket bounty that left Ireland reeling at Lord’s.

With Jimmy Anderson and Ollie Robinson certainties to face Australia after being wrapped in cotton wool this week following niggles, Broad, 36, appears to be vying with Mark Wood for the final seam-bowling place in England’s XI for Edgbaston.

In the absence of regular new-ball partner Anderson and Lord’s specialist Chris Woakes, he took advantage of early cloud cover to claim only his third five-wicket haul in 27 Test appearances at the ground as Ireland were dismissed for just 172.

Of his performance being timely, Broad said: ‘Yeah, absolutely. I love Ashes cricket but I can honestly say whether I play the first, the second or the fifth, my mindset’s the same – try to change the momentum and look to put in the performance that wins the Test match.

‘You can’t underestimate the feeling of seeing your name on the honours board here because it is the most famous board in the world.

Stuart Broad dismissed each of Ireland’s top four batters as part of his five-wicket haul – just his third at Lord’s in 27 Tests

Ollie Robinson (left) and James Anderson (right) are seemingly nailed on starters at Edgbaston in a fortnight

‘And this was a great start for me because I actually felt in the best rhythm of the season so far.

‘To come into first game of the international summer and really hit my straps, and feel like I was on the money, is great for me. 

‘I don’t rely on confidence now at my age, I know I can bowl well and where the ball is going but it’s always a nice lift when you have some wickets behind you.’

Although debutant Josh Tongue failed to make a maiden breakthrough, Broad was well supported by Matthew Potts and Jack Leach in a four-man attack, and dismissing their opponents shortly after tea meant England resume this morning only 20 runs behind with nine wickets intact – Zak Crawley out for a 45-ball 56.