Ireland shook off the disappointment of missing the World Cup in a good work-out against England’s second string at Nottingham. They went down to a 48-run defeat but there was enough to hearten coach Heinrich Malan.

The top order failed again, falling to 121-5, but the back end excelled, with Craig Young making a career best unbeaten 40 in new Irish record partnerships for the 9th wicket (with Barry McCarthy) and 10th (with Josh Little).

McCarthy made 41 and George Dockrell 43, but the experiment of playing Curtis Campher at three will need some more testing.

Dockrell took 3-43, his best for Ireland for six years as England, looking like scoring over 400 at one stage, were restricted to 334-9. Young bowled well and his good day was capped with the wickets of Phil Salt and Zac Crawley.

Ireland move on to Bristol on Tuesday, their 10th scheduled day’s play in England this summer, compared to just three on home turf.