The Cricketer provides all the information ahead of the first Test of the summer - with all eyes on Lord's once again
The first Test match ever staged between these two nations. For England, it is an opportunity over four days to fine-tune their preparations to face Australia as they attempt to win back the Ashes.
Ireland meanwhile are looking to make history. After being beaten by Pakistan in their first Test outing and losing to Afghanistan, they are looking for their first win at this level. When the country first embarked on gaining Test status, it is games like these at Lord's which were among the carrots.
ONE-OFF TEST: Lord's, London (Wednesday July 24 - Saturday July 27)
Though it would be disrespectful to completely dismiss Ireland, it would also not be unfair to suggest that this game represents the chance for England to conclude their preparations for the Ashes series.
Having already claimed the 50-over World Cup, the clash with Australia represents an opportunity to turn an already historic summer into one which will be immortalised for decades to come.
Can Jason Roy take his opportunity on his much-anticipated maiden Test outing?
Many of the players who were involved in that success have been purely focused on the white-ball game, meaning for some this will be their first exposure to the red ball since the Test series against West Indies which concluded in February.
Some of the questions raised by that series defeat are still to be answered ahead of the first Test at Edgbaston starting on August 1. Can Jason Roy step up to the red-ball game? Who will bat at No.3? Can England survive without James Anderson? And who will fill the third bowling berth?
The next four days might not provide conclusive answers to those queries but it is sure to provide a degree of insight into England's hopes and dreams over the remainder of the summer.
The World Cup has taken its toll on England's squad. Mark Wood will not be involved in this game or any of the first three Ashes Tests having played through the latter stages of the 50-over tournament with a side strain. Same too Jofra Archer, who is back resting in Barbados and looks increasingly likely to be absent for the start of the Australia series.
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler have been rested for the match. James Anderson is the latest withdrawal due to a calf problem suffered while playing for Lancashire in early July and is a doubt for Edgbaston.
As a result, England will hand debuts to two players, with five in all making their maiden home Test bow for their country. The uncapped Roy and Olly Stone are joined in the side by Jack Leach, Joe Denly and Rory Burns. Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes are the only survivors from the World Cup final against New Zealand.
Of the original 13-man squad named for the game, Somerset's Lewis Gregory is the unlucky man to miss out along with the sidelined Anderson.
England's team: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
Will Paul Stirling take advantage of the home conditions at Lord's?
When Ireland were granted Test full Test status in June 2017, few matches would have filled them with more vigour and glee than the prospect of facing England at Lord's. Their route to international cricket's top table has been a long and often lonesome road but it will all seem worth it when that first ball goes down on Wednesday morning.
It would be fair to observe that Ireland need a kick-start to their tenure as a Test-playing nation. After only being edged by Pakistan in their maiden outing, Afghanistan claimed their first Test win by seven wickets in Dehra Dun.
Though at least one uncapped player is in line to feature at Lord's, Will Porterfield's side continues to cling on to the players which propelled them into the Test arena. Gary Wilson, Kevin O'Brien, Tim Murtagh, Boyd Rankin and Porterfield are all the wrong side of 33 and even some of the newcomers are approaching their tender years.
Fresh blood will be key to ensuring that Ireland's Test status is more than just a holiday fling but those questions are unlikely to be answered at Lord's, where in 30 degree Celcius conditions the old guard will be seeking to continue on their own Indian summer.
Ireland squad: William Porterfield (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Andrew McBrine, James McCollum, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker, Gary Wilson, Craig Young
Olly Stone is back in the fold after being dogged by injury
The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket (Sky 404, Virgin 504, TalkTalk 405) in the UK, while radio commentary will be provided by Test Match Special on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra (DAB, online via the BBC Sport website and through the BBC Sounds app).
The Cricketer's social media channels will have updates throughout the day, with reaction to follow via our website after play has concluded.
England are heavy favourites at 1/10 with most bookmakers, who are staying away from a possible upset. Ireland are available at 28/1 to claim their first Test win while the draw after four days is at 9/1.
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.